No major untoward incidents monitored in pro-Duterte rallies – PNP

The rallies staged in different parts of the country on Saturday to show support to former president Rodrigo Duterte amid his detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) prison at The Hague, Netherlands were “generally peaceful,” according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Sunday. 

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said that they did not monitor any major untoward incidents, particularly in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila where thousands of supporters gathered.  

“Naging generally peaceful naman ‘yung mga naging aktibidad at ‘yung mga protesta at rally relating sa pangyayari nung nakaraang Martes… Ang huling report natin na natanggap ay mga past 11 p.m. na po at maayos namang natapos ang mga activities nationwide,” Fajardo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. 

(The activities, protests, and rallies related to what happened last Tuesday were generally peaceful... The activities nationwide ended in an orderly manner at 11 p.m.) 

“Nakabantay tayo simula pa lamang ng kanilang activities at naging maayos naman po at wala naman po tayong nai-record na any major untoward incidents,” she added.

(We had been monitoring the activities since they started. It went well and we did not record any major untoward incidents.)

Duterte’s supporters initially held a motorcade in different areas of Metro Manila on Saturday. A vigil and interfaith prayer was held to pray for Duterte’s return to the country.

Similar rallies were also held in other provinces in the Philippines, particularly in Davao City.

Fajardo said the PNP expects that more rallies will be held in the days to come. She reminded rallyists that prior coordinations with the police and local government units are needed for such activities in order to ensure security. 

“Kapagka ang kanilang protest o rally ay gagawin outside of ng mga freedom parks, ay kailangan nila ng permit. But ‘yung malaking rally po kahapon katulad dito sa Maynila, sa Liwasang Bonifacio, ‘yan naman ay kasama sa freedom parks kaya hindi na kailangan ng permit,” she explained. 

(If the protest rally is being done outside of freedom parks, they need a permit. As for yesterday's rally, it was held at Liwasang Bonifacio, which is a freedom park, so no permit was needed.) 

Duterte was placed under the custody of authorities late Tuesday morning after getting arrested upon arrival in the Philippines from Hong Kong. He was later on brought to The Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison to face the ICC trial. 

The former Philippine leader made his first appearance before the ICC on Friday, via video link from a detention center. 

During the hearing, the Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed his identity and made sure he was fully informed in a language he speaks and understands about the crimes he is accused of committing and his rights under the ICC's Rome Statute.

The chamber then scheduled the next hearing on the confirmation of the charges for September 23, 2025. —RF, GMA Integrated News