PNP: Nearly 50,000 joined pro-Duterte rallies nationwide after his arrest

A total of 49,990 people joined rallies across the country in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest to face the crimes against humanity charges he is facing before the International Criminal Court, the Philippine National Police said Monday.

PNP public information office chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño said in a press briefing that a total of 58 rallies for Duterte have been monitored from Saturday to Sunday.

For Saturday rallies, most of the participants were reported from Northern Mindanao with 7,250. Other rallyists were monitored in the following regions:

• Metro Manila - 2,500
• Central Luzon - 250 
• Mimaropa - 570
• Western Visayas - 1,000
• Zamboanga Peninsula - 5,700
• Davao Region - 4,000
• Soccsksargen - 5,200

For Sunday rallies, most of the participants were reported from Eastern Visayas with 6,200. Other protesters were monitored in the following regions:

• Metro Manila - 500 
• Central Luzon - 1,900
• Mimaropa - 70 
• Western Visayas - 180
• Central Visayas - 3,850
• Zamboanga Peninsula - 600
• Northern Mindanao - 2,250
• Davao Region - 4,200
• Soccsksargen - 3,690

The PNP said the regions where no pro-Duterte rallies were monitored were Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Bicol, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo on Sunday said the pro-Duterte rallies conducted on Saturday have been generally peaceful.

Duterte on March 11 was arrested through a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

After his arrest, Duterte was transported to the Hague in the Netherlands.

Duterte on March 13 (Philippine time) entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he is set to be held while awaiting trial.

On March 14 (Philippine time), Duterte faced via video link the ICC for the first time.

The court read to Duterte the charges against him related to the killings under his administration's war on drugs. He was also informed of his rights under the Rome Statute.

The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for September 23, 2025.—AOL, GMA Integrated News