Duterte's supporters, critics stage rallies, 1 year after ICC arrest

Human rights groups and supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte held separate protest actions Wednesday on the first anniversary of his arrest and detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Members of Karapatan and Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network staged their protest along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, urging the ICC to confirm the charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, GMA Integrated News Vonne Aquino reported.

The groups also called for the arrest and accountability of Duterte's alleged co-perpetrators in the war on drugs.

On a more somber note, the church-based movement Program Paghilom returned the cremated remains of two victims of Duterte's war on drugs to their families at Sacred Heart Parish in Quezon City. 

Led by Ramon Magsaysay awardee Fr. Flavie Villanueva, Program Paghilom also unveiled a memorial wall bearing the names of drug war victims under the care of the organization. 

It honors the lives of the drug war victims and provides a place to remember and reflect on the effects of war on drug-related violence.

Bring him home

Meanwhile, GMA Integrated News' Mark Salazar reported that Duterte supporters staged a rally in front of the Supreme Court in Manila City, where they called for the former president's return to the Philippines. 

In Duterte's hometown of Davao City, Duterte supporters staged a "Walk for Justice" from Magsaysay Park to Rizal Park, according to GMA Regional TV's social media post.

Also in Davao City, Vice President Sara Duterte attended Mass at San Pedro Cathedral to pray for the safe return of her father, the former president. 

In a video message on Wednesday, the Vice President urged the Filipino people to remain vigilant against any attempt to bend the law for politics.

The former president was arrested on March 11, 2025, under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity linked to killings during the war on drugs during his time as mayor of Davao City and as president of the Philippines.

The former president's confirmation of charges was conducted in February. — VDV, GMA Integrated News