BUTUAN CITY – Thousands of supporters of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in the Caraga region staged a prayer rally and celebrated his 80th birth anniversary on Friday, March 28.
A DRONE art presses the return of former President Duterte during his 80th birth anniversary celebration on Friday night, March 28, in Davao City with the theme ‘Rody @ 80: Global Solidarity as One Davao.’ (Ivy Tejano)
Police estimated the crowd at the Libertad Sports Complex here from 5,000 to 6,000.
The Police Regional Office-13 said on Saturday, March 29, that these activities were generally peaceful.
“Thank God that no untoward incident happened and their activity was generally peaceful,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
Nanay Aging, a 60-year-old Duterte supporter from nearby town here, was teary-eyed during the rally.
“Tatay Digong, come home,” she cried out in the vernacular.
Another supporter, 19-year-old Dondon from this city, also pressed for the return of Duterte who is detained at the International Criminal Court at the Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity.
“Tatay Digong uli na (Come home Tatay Digong),” he said.
PDP-Laban Caraga Regional Chairperson Manny Lumanao said prayer rallies and candlelight ceremonies for Duterte in the region seek divine intervention in his release.
"Only divine intervention can change the course of the political landscape in the country," he said.
Lumanao said that Duterte supporters also held prayer rallies in the United States, Middle East, Canada, and Europe.
These series of prayer rallies in the country are a sign that people are coming out of their homes to pray and light candles for Duterte, he said.
"This is the first time in Philippine history that a former President is celebrating his birthday behind bars in a foreign country to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity," Lumanao said.