Protesters in Manila slam Duterte on his 80th birthday: 'Convict him'

Activist groups and families of the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called for his conviction for crimes against humanity during a protest action in Manila City.

Marchers converged at the Liwasang Bonifacio bearing placards emblazoned with messages seeking justice for Duterte's alleged victims. A candle lighting ceremony was also held in memory of the deceased.

The protesters clamored that Duterte be meted a guilty verdict by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, which has started a pre-trial on his alleged crimes.

Some of them sang their version of a "birthday song" for Duterte, wishing for him to remain in ICC detention at The Hague Penitentiary. Others carried a stylized blood-stained birthday cake dedicated to the former president.

Kumanta ng sariling bersyon ng 'happy birthday' ang mga dumalo sa anti-Duterte rally sa Liwasang Bonifacio sa Maynila

????@luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/4vVvnk8YbQ

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 28, 2025

Based on government records, some 6,200 drug personalities were killed during the Duterte administration's anti-drug police operations. Human rights organizations, however, say that the number may reach 30,000 due to the unreported related slays.

In a statement, activist group Rise Up for Life and Rights said Friday that Duterte's victims continue to grieve for their departed loved ones.

Duterte's 80th birthday was a fitting moment for "remembrance and protest," the group said, as it called for accountability for alleged human rights violations under his administration.

Makabayan senatorial candidates Arlene Brosas and Amirah Lidasan said that there was nothing to celebrate.

“Duterte did not just enable violence against women—he encouraged it. His words fueled rape culture and normalized harassment…He mocked rape victims, belittled women in leadership, and went so far as to claim that the presidency is ‘not for women,’” said Brosas in a statement.

“Duterte and his family are lamenting his inability to return to the Philippines. But how much worse has it been for the Moro and Indigenous Peoples he forcibly displaced due to militarization? Even now, many from Marawi have not returned to their homes and have even been evicted from temporary shelters,” Lidasan said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang wished Duterte ''good health'' and ''good fortune.''

“Happy birthday to you! And of course, we wish more years to come. We also wish good health, good fortune. Kailangan po niya ‘yan (He needs it),'' said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro. — Jiselle Anne Casucian and Vince Angelo Ferreras/VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News