Duterte supporters in Butuan City call for his return

BUTUAN CITY – Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered at the Butuan City Sports Complex here on Saturday night, March 15, for a prayer rally urging his return to the country from the Netherlands.

A LARGE crowd gathers in Butuan City on Saturday night, March 15, for a prayer rally urging the return of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte from the Netherlands. (Mike U. Crismundo)

With deep concern on Duterte’s health, speakers from different sectors believe and hope that the government will listen to their sentiments.

“Sana makonsensya sila, sana gagawa sila ng paraan na makabalik sa ating bayan ang ating nakakaawa na Pangulong Duterte,” a teary-eyed 61-year-old supporter said.

(I hope the government will listen and do something to enable former President Duterte to return to the country)

Police deployed personnel to secure around 2,000 rallyists.

The rally was generally peaceful, according to the police.

“Thank God that their  Saturday night prayer rally was generally peaceful with no untoward incident until midnight,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.

The rally featured dance numbers and live bands on stage.

Similar prayer rallies were also held in Tandag City, Siargao, Surigao City, and the Davao region on Saturday.