AROUND 200 supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered in front of the Medina Public Market on Wednesday evening, March 12, for a prayer rally, chanting his name in solidarity amid his arrest.
Duterte was arrested upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at 9:35 am and was flown to the Netherlands at 11:03 pm aboard Jet Plane 6550 (tail no. RP-C5219).
He is set to face charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
“We are here to show our support for the former president and hope that he will be given justice,” said Barangay Bulwa Kagawad Edwin Mabanta.
He shared that his sibling died due to drug-related violence in Manila, reinforcing his belief in Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Akong igsoon nga tua sa Manila kaniadto namatay tungod sa druga mao nga dako kaayo akong pag suporta ni former President Duterte tungod kay nagtoo ako sa iyang gihimo nga (war on drugs) dako ug kasulbaran pag sumpo sa druga sa nasud,” said Mabanta.
The prayer rally was organized by Lardz Taray, with participation from religious groups and Duterte supporters from various barangays in Medina.
The event began with a mass at the local Catholic church, followed by a walk of faith and a candle-lighting ceremony.
Duterte’s flight landed in Rotterdam Airport, Netherlands, at 11:55 pm, March 12, after a refueling stop in Dubai.
A similar gathering took place in Gingoog City on March 11, drawing an estimated 500 participants. Taray said more rallies are planned in Medina to continue showing support for Duterte.
