PRRD supporters hold candlelight rally at Rizal Park, Davao City

DAVAO CITY — A candlelight rally organized by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte took place around noon on March 11 at the city’s renowned Rizal Park grounds.

Duterte was arrested early that morning at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Manila due to issues related to the International Criminal Court (ICC) upon his arrival.

Supporters of Duterte gathered at Rizal Park, holding banners that read, "We stand for PRRD." In addition to hundreds of supporters, city officials, councilors, and barangay captains also joined the rally.

Meanwhile, PRO-Davao spokesperson Police Major Catherin Dela Rey assured that personnel would be deployed to maintain safety and peace during the rally.

On the other hand, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod issued a statement following Duterte’s arrest. The statement called the arrest a grave miscarriage of justice, citing concerns over the lack of due process and the Philippines' non-membership in the ICC, which raised doubts about the legitimacy of the proceedings.

The statement further claimed that the action was politically motivated, attempting to divert attention from critical national issues such as the misuse of public funds, government corruption, and widespread poverty.

“We, the Filipino people, must stand united against this injustice. We must demand accountability from our leaders, transparency in government operations, and an end to the political maneuvering that diverts attention from the urgent need to address poverty and corruption. Let our voices rise in unison, demanding sanity and justice from the BBM administration. The time for silence is over; the time for action is now,” the statement said.

Currently, Duterte is detained at the 250th Villamor Air Base of the Philippine Air Force.