Nationwide prayer vigils demand Duterte’s safe return from ICC

Nightly prayer rallies will be held in various parts of the country seeking the safe return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines after his surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, Netherlands, organizers announced on Saturday.

Benito Ranque, co-convenor of “Bring PRRD Home,” prayer rally, told DAILY TRIBUNE that the kickoff rally would be held at Liwasang Bonifacio on Saturday, followed by similar gatherings in various parts of the country while Duterte is detained at the Hague.

Manny Lumanao, PDP-Laban President for the Caraga region, said that nightly prayer rallies have already spontaneously taken place in the cities of Butuan, Tandag, Surigao, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

“At dusk people began coming out and gathering in public places to join spontaneous peace rallies," he said.

Ranque claimed that Duterte had been informed in advance of the ICC arrest warrant against him and was advised to stay in Hong Kong under China's protection.