Duterte supporters gather in Manila, call for his return

Hundreds of people have gathered at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila on Saturday in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

According to a report by the Manila Police District, security coverage has been deployed to maintain order and provide security for at least 1,000 attendees of the Duterte Prayer Rally by 2:20 p.m.

A dzBB report by Sam Nielsen said Duterte’s common law wife Honeylet Avenceña and daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte are expected to attend the event. 

Senatorial candidates supporting the former president are also expected to be present.

The program, which began at around 3 p.m., featured dance numbers and live bands on a stage. 

According to a 24 Oras weekend report by Jonathan Andal, the supporters initially held a motorcade in different areas of Metro Manila.

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A vigil and interfaith prayer was held to pray for Duterte’s return to the country.

Attorney Salvador Panelo, former presidential adviser of Duterte, said he believed the government will hear their sentiments.

“Upang ipamukha sa kanila na kataksilan ang pagkakakalulo ng dating president Duterte sa mga dayuhan… Kapag di sila nakinig, ‘yan ang simula ng pagbagsak ng pamahalaan,” Panelo said.

(To show them that the surrender of former president Duterte to foreigners is a betrayal… If they do not listen, that will be the start of the fall of the government.)

Similar rallies were also held in other provinces in the Philippines, particularly in Davao City.

The number of attendees in the Manila prayer rally has increased to 2,000 as of 5 p.m., according to data from the MPD.

Rodrigo Duterte on Friday faced via video link the International Criminal Court, where he is facing murder allegations stemming from his deadly "war on drugs." —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News