BACOLOD CITY – Around 2,500 supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered in front of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) here on Wednesday night, March 12, to show their solidarity to the former Chief Executive who was arrested for alleged crimes against humanity.
SUPPORTERS of former President Rodrigo Duterte gather in front of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Wednesday night, March 12, to show their solidarity to the former Chief Executive following his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. (Photo via Ronnie Baldonado)
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) deployed personnel to ensure peace and order during the gathering where supporters lighted candles and offered prayers to Duterte.
Among those who attended the rally were Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) Deputy Secretary General for Visayas and senatorial bet Jayvee Hinlo and Negros Occidental gubernatorial candidate Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca.
Protesters waved a Philippine flag while chanting “Duterte.” A group of motorcycle riders honked their horns to show their unity during the rally.
In a Facebook post, Hinlo said that with the length of the trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the age and health condition of the former President, he may not even see the conclusion of the case filed against him.
Hinlo said that it is painful to accept that Duterte was betrayed by his fellow Filipinos, the ones who chose to bring him before a foreign court instead of the country’s court.
“Nakakagalit, pero ito iyong playbook na gustong ilaro ng kanyang mga kalaban. Takot sila sa patas na laban sa Hukuman ng Pilipinas at traidor na ibinigay siya sa mga dayuhan,” Hinlo said.