SEPT. 21 rally in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office noted more or less 7,500 people gathered at San Pedro Square as of 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, for the “Pray for the Philippines and for the Release of Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte” movement despite intermittent rain showers.
DCPO acting director Police Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip, who personally conducted a security inspection and launched aerial monitoring using drone technology to ensure real-time crowd assessment and coordination, said the event remained peaceful and orderly.
One-thousand, three-hundred eighty-two personnel and volunteers were deployed on the streets from various security and emergency clusters -- 290 police officers, 60 Task Force Davao members, and 1,000 personnel from the City Security Unit.
The city also deployed nine emergency responders from the Philippine Red Cross, nine Bureau of Fire Protection firefighters, 10 Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office representatives, and three additional teams from Davao City’s 911 Emergency Medical Services.
The DCPO confirmed that mobile assets were stationed around the San Pedro Square, including police patrol cars, TF Davao Agila unit, motorcycles, firetrucks, and an ambulance.
Music performances and food distribution were ongoing as of posting time.
Organizers prepared 100 roasted beef (cattle), a roasted crocodile, and a 16 feet crocodile cake for all the attendees of the prayer rally.
Despite rainy weather, authorities observed no significant incidents during the gathering.
The DCPO chief commended the discipline and cooperation of attendees, underscoring the police’s commitment to safeguarding civic activities.
He assured that they will continue to support lawful expressions of faith and solidarity while ensuring public safety and security.
Also in attendance were Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, who called for continuous prayer for the country and held those corrupt officials accountable for their crimes, and prayers for the health and release of the former Chief Executive.