PNP: Measures in place ahead of pro-Duterte rally in Manila

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said that measures are in place ahead of this afternoon's rally in Manila, which will be held by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The rally will take place a day after the pre-trial of Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity over his administration's drug war.

"Nakatutok po tayo sa mga napapabalitang rally sites po at normal naman po sa PNP na mag-adjust sa ating alert status, para siguraduhin po na may kahandaan ang ating PNP," said PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(We are looking closely at the reported rally sites, and it is normal for the PNP to adjust to make sure that the PNP is prepared.)

"Kapag may rally meron naman talagang, andiyan ang mga puls binabantayan at pinoproteskyunan ang mga nagrarally Para na din sakanilang securoty and safety, hindi para makipagtalo at argumento," she added.

(When there is a rally, there are definitely police there, watching over and protecting the rally participants. It's for their security and safety, not for arguments.)

Fajardo also said that the PNP will ensure that no untoward incidents will take place in this afternoon's pro-Duterte rally.

"Wala pa naman po tayong namomonitor na nagkaroon ng tensyon sa pagitan ng mga nag-rarally na nagpapakita ng suporta sa ating dating pangulo," Fajardo said.

(We have not yet monitored any tension between those who rallied to show support for our former president.)

"Dahil ang mga kapulisan natin ay nandiyan lang po at nagoobserba, nagbabantay para mamaintain ang kaayusan," she explained. (Because our police officers are just there, observing, keeping watch to maintain order.)

The rally will take place at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte is seen on a screen in the courtroom of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, March 14, 2025. Peter Dejong/Pool via REUTERS

Duterte faces ICC

On Friday, Duterte faced the ICC via video link. According to the ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah, Duterte was at the detention center while his counsel was present at the court.

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 proceedings began at 2:34 p.m. and ended at 2:59 p.m.

The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for Sept. 23, 2025.

"After assessing all factors, including the need for the parties and participants to adequately prepare, as well as Mr. Duterte's rights, including his right to be tried within a reasonable time, the date for the commencement of the confirmation of charges hearing is September 23, 2025," said Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc.

"I would add that in accordance with Rule 1217 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, this date may be postponed by the Chamber depending on the progress of the proceedings, either on its own motion or at the request of the prosecutor or the defense," she added.

Malacañang on Saturday described the ICC's handling of the pre-trial as "fair."

Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, meanwhile relayed the message of her father to their supporters.

“Sabi niya, ‘Relax lang, may hangganan ang lahat. A day of reckoning will come.'”

(He said, 'Just relax, everything has an end.') —VAL, GMA Integrated News