MANILA — Around 20,000 people took to the streets of Davao City on Sunday, turning the city’s 88th founding anniversary celebration into a massive demonstration calling for the release and return of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during his war on drugs.
Supporters chanted for Duterte’s return as they marched through his hometown, where he previously served as mayor. The event included a prayer rally at Rizal Park, near city hall, according to Rappler.com.
Duterte, who was transported to The Hague on Wednesday following his arrest at Manila International Airport upon arrival from Hong Kong, is accused of overseeing thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency’s anti-drug campaign.
Despite his detention, the former president is contesting for Davao's mayorship in May’s local elections, seeking a second term after a 22-year gap.
Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber One on Friday via video link for his initial hearing. Presided over by Judge Julia Antoanella Motoc, the session was a procedural step rather than a trial, aimed at confirming Duterte’s identity, informing him of his rights, formally presenting the charges, and setting a date for the confirmation of charges hearing.
Through his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president reassured his supporters, telling them to remain calm.
Addressing Filipino supporters gathered outside the ICC premises, Sara Duterte said she had visited her father at the detention facility before his appearance.
“He said, tell them: ‘Just relax. There is an end to everything. There is a day of reckoning,’” she conveyed in Filipino.
Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity related to his bloody war on drugs, which saw 6,252 people killed in police anti-drug operations during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Human rights groups claim that at least 27,000 people were victims of vigilante-style killings linked to his anti-narcotics campaign. — Agencies
