Green Rise Action movement calling for FPRRD release launched in Davao City
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte affirmed his support for the Green Rise Action movement launched here on Saturday afternoon, April 6, to call for the safe release of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague at the Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity.

MAYOR Duterte (FB)
According to the Davao City Police Office, about 600 Duterte supporters joined the event led by Undersecretary Joseph Encabo and attended by other party-list groups and other local governments at Rizal Park on San Pedro St.
Mayor Duterte urged his father's supporters to participate in the weekly protests and called his father's detention in The Hague a form of "kidnapping."
"While it is election season, the conversation is not just about politics but about the future of the Philippines," Mayor Duterte said, adding that the Philippine government's attempts to undermine his father's influence have instead bolstered public backing for his leadership and policies.
Aside from advocating for the elder Duterte's release, the initiative also aims to show unity among his supporters as he faces allegations of crimes against humanity.
In a separate speech, former Budget Secretary and lawyer Wendel Avisado said various sectors of society will take turns leading the protests every Sunday. He emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed and sustaining the movement's momentum.
"We must ensure that people are aware and can continue to express their support as our way of conveying our disappointment to the government," Avisado said. He said that not a single person is controlling the movement and they came together out of their free will.
Avisado said they would not stop until the government addresses the people’s concerns and the ICC releases former President Duterte.
He added that financial support for the movement would come directly from the former Chief Executive’s loyal supporters.
The event was graced by Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial candidates, including Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, musician and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, and Dr. Richard Mata.