Thousands Rally in Davao City, Demanding Release of Former President Rodrigo Duterte

DAVAO CITY – In a powerful display of solidarity, approximately 50,000 supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte took to the streets on Sunday, March 16, calling for his release from detention in The Hague, Netherlands. The march, dubbed a "solidarity walk," was part of the civic parade marking the 88th Araw ng Dabaw (Davao Day) celebrations, drawing participants from all walks of life.

Clad in green shirts, the crowd carried banners and streamers emblazoned with messages such as “We stand with FPRRD” (Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) and “Bring Him Back Home.” The diverse group of participants included young professionals, vendors, entrepreneurs, medical workers, farmers, indigenous peoples, teachers, and retirees, all united in their support for the former president and longtime Davao City mayor.

“We are here to show our support to our former President and our former longtime mayor of Davao,” said a retired school teacher who joined the march. As the contingent moved through the city, residents lining the sidewalks cheered and joined in chants of “Duterte, Duterte, Duterte!” and “Bring Him Back Home.”

The solidarity walk began after the civic parade, starting at Roxas Avenue, passing through CM Recto Street, and culminating in front of the city hall on San Pedro Street. Many of the parade contingents also carried posters and streamers expressing support for Duterte, further amplifying the message of the march.

During the event, some participants directed their frustration toward President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Police Major Gen. Nicolas Torre through chants and slogans. The rally reflected growing tensions between Duterte’s supporters and the current administration.

The march was the latest in a series of demonstrations organized by Duterte’s supporters, who have held prayer rallies and noise barrages across the city since March 11. On Saturday night, nearly 100 cars and motorcycles participated in a noise barrage, circling the city to draw attention to their cause. Organizers have vowed to continue their protests until Duterte is returned to the Philippines.

Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, is currently detained in The Hague, where he faces charges related to his controversial war on drugs. His supporters argue that his detention is politically motivated and have called for his immediate release. The rallies in Davao City, his political stronghold, highlight the enduring loyalty he commands among his base.

As the demonstrations continue, the movement underscores the deep divisions within Philippine politics and the passionate support Duterte retains despite his legal troubles. For now, his supporters remain steadfast in their demand to bring him back home, signaling that the fight for his release is far from over.