Duterte supporters hold rallies for his 80th birthday

Supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte conducted rallies in celebration of his 80th birthday on Friday amid his detention in the Netherlands.

On the eve of his birthday, Duterte supporters gathered in Danao City, Cebu to celebrate his birthday through a unity ride and writing messages on a freedom wall, GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita reported Friday.

The supporters sang a birthday song for him at midnight.

During the program, Duterte’s son Baste Duterte gave a message through a video.

In Davao City, supporters organized a mañanita for Duterte outside his house, GMA Regional TV’s Jandi Esteban reported on Unang Balita.

The supporters brought a standee of the former president and a birthday cake for him.

For the event that will be held at 1 p.m., the local government temporarily closed C.M Recto Avenue from San Pedro St. to Magsaysay Avenue and Roxas Avenue from Quezon Boulevard to C. Bangyoy St.

Some schools suspended classes while some shifted to modular distance learning mode as they might be affected by the activity:

No classes

• Ateneo De Davao University - Jacinto Campus
• Aisat Davao
• Philippine Women's College
• Davao Chong Hua High School
• Holy Cross Of Davao College

Suspended face-to-face classes

• Palma Gil Elementary School
• Bolton Elementary School
• Kapt. Tomas Monteverde Central Elementary School
• Magallanes Elementary School
• Erico Nograles National High School
• Davao City National High School
• Sta. Ana National High School
• Sta. Ana Central Elementary School
• Jose Rizal Elementary School
• Manuel Roxas Elementary School
• Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School
• CP Garcia Senior High School
• Doña Pilar Elementary School
• Wireless Elementary School
• Cesario Villa-Abrille Elementary School

Duterte supporters also had a motorcade that started at the Quirino Grandstand.

According to Carlo Mateo’s report on Super Radyo dzBB, participants carried Philippine flags and green balloons. 

Vehicles had placards with messages such as "Bring Him Home" and "We Stand for Duterte."

Despite the scorching heat, motorists pushed through with the event.

The main program will be held at the Paco Arena around 5 p.m. 

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is preparing for the security of the birthday rally for Duterte.

PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the event will be conducted at Rotary Plaza in New Corellia, Davao del Norte.

“Sa ngayon po ay nagkakaroon ng pagpupulong ang Police Regional Office 11 pa doon po sa Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) ng LGU po ng Davao para plantsahin po yung gagawin pong aktibidad relating po sa birthday po ng ating dating pangulo,” she said.

(Currently, the Police Regional Office 11 is holding a meeting with the PSSO of the Davao LGU to plan the activities related to the birthday of our former president.)

Fajardo said the PNP is waiting for information about the rally from PSSO to decide on the number of police deployments.

Panelo greetings

In a separate birthday message, former chief presidential legal counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo said that ''while there is incongruity and irony in your countrymen’s celebrating your 80th birthday while you lay alone incarcerated in a foreign land, there is universal recognition of the legacies you bequeathed your countrymen and continuing gratitude for the selfless governance you generously bestowed them.''

''The Filipino people, even as they are in a state of sadness and outrage by your unconstitutional arrest, detention, kidnapping, and the surrender of the country’s sovereignty by the state authorities, take time from their work and activities to greet you on your natal day,'' Panelo said.

''In an unprecedented global unity and action, they gather in solidarity and in love from wherever they are to wish you a glorious and Happy Birthday!'' he added.

Panelo also wished the former president good health, adding that he is praying for the immediate return of Duterte to the country.

Philippine authorities on March 11 assisted Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

After his arrest, Duterte was transported to The Hague, 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. —with a report from Sherylin Untalan/VAL/RSJ/NB, GMA Integrated News