Duterte supporters hold protests in parts of Europe

THE HAGUE, Netherlands –  Hundreds of Filipinos held protests in parts of Europe on Saturday to express their support for detained former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court due to his deadly war on drugs.

GMA Integrated News estimated around 250 pro-Duterte supporters gathered in front of the International Gay Monument in The Hague, where the ICC is based, for the rally, which began at around 2 p.m. (9 p.m. in the Philippines).

Senator Robin Padilla and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque joined the rally. Vice President Sara Duterte was not present.

“Matagalang laban ito, mga kapatid. Handa ba kayo sa pagsubok na ito?” Roque told the crowd.

(This will be a long fight. Are you ready for this challenge?)

“Tama na yung ugaling magtalo, yung tinuturo mo ang kababayan mo. Mahirap yun. Kapag nasa ibang bansa tayo, dapat tayo ang magkakampi,” Padilla said.

(Let's stop bickering and pointing fingers at your countrymen. That is difficult. We should be allies if we are in a different country.)

In Prague, more than 200 demonstrators who came from different cities in the Czech Republic attended a prayer rally at Wenceslas Square.

Photo: Kirsty Zachoval

Jimmy Chavez Jr., one of the organizers, said many supporters were on a day off or took a leave of absence to support.

“Titingnan namin kung ano ang magiging resulta nito para malaman kung susuporta pa ang ating mga kababayan [dito sa Czech Republic],” Chavez said about their plans in the upcoming days.

(We'll see if our fellow Filipinos continue to show their support in the days ahead.)

Prayer rallies calling for Duterte's immediate return to the Philippines were also held in Manila and other cities across the country on Saturday, a day after the former president faced via video link the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I.

The court read to Duterte the charges against him related to the killings under his administration's campaign against illegal drugs, informed him of his rights under the Rome Statute, and set the confirmation of charges hearing for September 23.

Duterte was arrested on March 11 upon his arrival at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Hong Kong. He was then flown to The Hague by a government-funded charter flight, which arrived the following day. —VBL, GMA Integrated News