‘Solid North’ gears up for pro-Duterte march

Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte plan a unity motorcade from Lingayen, Pangasinan, to Manila and Quezon City on 28 March — his 80th birthday — to protest what they claim is his “kidnapping” and detention at The Hague, Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity.

Claudine Roco, convenor of the “Bring Duterte Home Unity Motorcade,” told DAILY TRIBUNE that the motorcade will converge in Lingayen and Lucena City at 6 a.m. on 28 March, proceeding to Manila via service roads where other riders will join.

“It will be a 12-hour trip, and upon reaching Manila and Quezon City, candlelight ceremonies will be held in Liwasang Bonifacio and the People Power Monument,” Roco said.

She added that participants will wear green and carry flags and banners and major riders’ groups will lead the motorcade, with volunteers waiting along provincial service roads to show support.

The protest comes as former Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson, in a radio interview, expressed disappointment over Duterte’s “arrest” and called for the abolition of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Remove that ICC,” Singson said.

Meantime, members of the now defunct Masada volunteer group told DAILY TRIBUNE that Duterte’s “arrest and kidnapping” violate Ilocano traditions of “utang na loob” or debt of gratitude and recalled stories of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. showing gratitude to those who helped him.

Organizers, including co-convenor Benito Ranque, said the motorcade will resemble the EDSA Jericho March held on 23 February at the People Power Monument. They described the event as a prayer walk seeking God’s protection for Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

The “Return Duterte” movement has declared 28 March “Green Hope Day,” calling for prayers and candlelight rallies for Duterte’s return.

“We hope, pray, wait, and wait for the return of ‘Tatay Digong,’” Ranque said.

Since Duterte’s “arrest” on 11 March, rallies have been held nightly in key cities and towns. Filipinos worldwide are expected to hold similar prayer rallies and birthday celebrations.

In Manila and Quezon City, supporters plan to light candles, sing the Philippine national anthem, and chant “Duterte Ibalik” as they aim to show support for Duterte’s advocacy for overseas Filipino workers during his presidency.