DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian Duterte here on Sunday, March 16, thanked the people of this city for their continued support to his father former President Rodrigo Duterte.
MAYOR Sebastian Duterte. (Ivy Tejano)
Mayor Duterte, speaking at the celebration of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw, said that seeing photos of his father in the hands of their supporters stirs deep emotions.
He said that his father has indeed impacted the people here and the country with such massive support.
“Since my father was illegally arrested, I have not been able to understand what I am feeling. It’s truly been a roller coaster of emotions. But seeing your support towards my father and my family gives me strength,” Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte said he is deeply disappointed in the administration and thanked and Filipinos around the world for their endless support.
He said that he has emotionally suffered from his father’s arrest.
Mayor Duterte urged the people here and all Filipinos to stay resilient and united amid his father’s ongoing detention at The Hague, Netherlands.
He said that this is not the time for people to weaken and urged them not to waste the sacrifices made by former President Duterte.
“This fight will not end today – it will not end yet! We were raised as Davaoeños – determined, courageous, seeking truth, aiming for progress, and proud of who we are. Long live all of you,” Mayor Duterte said.
He urged Filipinos to act and never allow any unjust treatment from the government just like what his father suffered. “As long as we are still here, we will not stop, we will not back down,” Mayor Duterte said.
Reelectionist Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go of the Partido Demokratiko-Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan urged the people to remain steadfast in their calls for the elder Duterte’s safe return to the country, particularly Davao City.
“I am asking the people of Davao not to stop until he comes home. I am asking everyone to pray for Tatay Digong’s health and his freedom. If they can bring him to another country, I believe they can also bring him back home to the Philippines,” Go said.
Davao City Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, in his opening remarks during the Solidarity Night on Sunday, said this is the first time that Davao City celebrates Araw ng Dabaw without the father of the city.
Ungab recalled the initiatives and constant efforts of the former Chief Executive to make the city what it is today.
He said the elder Duterte brought peace to Davao City, which was known as the home of 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. Ungab described FPRRD as a leader like no other.
Ungab expressed his concern for former President Duterte and urged people to continue praying for his safety and good health and light candles on his 80th birth anniversary on March 28.