Pro-Duterte rally show of support amid destabilization rumors —leader

The gathering of supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila on the occasion of the  46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law was not meant to counter groups staging rallies to condemn the excesses of late strongman Marcos' iron rule. 

Pro-Duterte gathering organizers told GMA News Online on Friday that they came to show support for the President amid rumors of a plot to topple his administration on this day.

“Ang aming pagpunta namin dito ay suporta sa Pangulo. May pronouncement po ang Pangulo na ngayong araw siya tatanggalin sa pwesto kaya po kami nagtawag ng ating ka-DDS [Die-hard  Duterte Supporters] sa buong Pilipinas at sa buong mundo upang pumunta dito at magbigay ng suporta...,” said Ronilo Fuentes, one of the organizers.

Malacañang earlier warned of a “massive destabilization” plot from groups allegedly wanting to oust Duterte in time for the 46th anniversary of Martial Law under the Marcos regime.

Fuentes said that they are also not planning on clashing or picking fights with the protesters expected arrive at at Luneta at 4 p.m.

As early as 1 p.m., police formed a barricade between the venues of the two rallies.

“Ang rally naman po ay hindi lang para sa mga hinaing sa gobyerno. Ang rally rin po ay tinitignan namin para magpakita ng suporta para sa gobyerno,” Fuentes said.

“Hindi naman po natin sila lalabanan o pipigilan sa malayang mga opinyon laban sa gobyerno,” he added.

According to another organizer, Julius Ursua, they are expecting 20,000 DDS members.

But as of 3 p.m., their number was still at 3,000, occupying a space near the Quirino Grandstand in Manila's Rizal Park.

Supporters came from all cities of Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Cavite and Rizal. —LBG, GMA News