Rigo Duterte appeals for prayers for FPRRD
Rody Duterte cage tourney unwraps in Davao City
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – With a strong message of youth empowerment and community solidarity, Davao City first district Councilor-elect Rodrigo Rigo Duterte II officially opened the inaugural Rody Duterte Commercial Basketball Cup on Thursday, June 19, at the Catalunan Grande Sports Complex.
The tournament, which runs from June 19 to 22, brings together four top-tier local teams—Montaña Davao, City Mayor’s Office, FJ Powerquip x Pangyan Eggs, and the City Engineer’s Office—in a high-energy competition that goes beyond just sports.
DAVAO City Councilor Rigo Duterte II (second from left). (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Rigo highlighted the deeper mission behind the event. He said the tournament is part of a broader initiative to steer young people away from the dangers of illegal drugs and juvenile crime through constructive community engagement.
“This event is not just about basketball—it’s about building lives, forging discipline, and offering our youth a better path,” he said. “This is our way of continuing a legacy that believes in action, hope, and unity.”
Rigo addressed the ongoing detention of his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
He called on the people of Davao to continue offering prayers for the elder Duterte, describing the legal ordeal as “an unjust chapter in our history.”
“Thank you for standing with our family. Your support gives us strength. We pray that Lolo Digong will be released soon and that justice will prevail, Rigo said.
He added that the tournament reflects the same core values the former Chief Executive championed during his time in office—discipline, patriotism, and the protection of Filipino youth.
The tournament was made possible through the combined efforts of his father, Rep. Paolo Duterte, the Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list, and the Barangay Council of Catalunan Grande.
Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition, eventually expanding beyond Davao City.
Rigo said the tournament is a platform to nurture positive change on the grassroots level.
We are not here to just play games. We are here to build a stronger, safer community—one game, one youth, one future at a time, the incoming councilor said.