SOME supporters and allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, led by Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro, expressed their support -- and even became emotional -- following his arrest on Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025, over charges of crimes against humanity.
In contrast, Cebu-based progressive groups staged a protest rally at Fuente Osmeña Circle on Tuesday afternoon, urging the Philippine government to expedite Duterte’s transfer to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
On Tuesday evening, Baricuatro led a candle-lighting and prayer gathering at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City to pray for the former President’s safety and protection.
Baricuatro revealed that Duterte was already on a flight to The Hague, where he is set to face ICC judges over allegations of extrajudicial killings during his tenure as president and mayor.
“It is a sad day for all of us here. We are not here to cause trouble; we are here to express our sadness,” said Baricuatro before the prayer rally.
Former Lapu-Lapu City mayor and lone district representative Paz Radaza also expressed support for Duterte, posting on her Facebook page: “We stand with FPRRD.”
On February 22, 2025, Duterte attended the Cebu People’s Indignation Rally in Mandaue City, where he endorsed local candidates for the 2025 elections, including Baricuatro, Radaza, and former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna welcomed Duterte’s arrest, calling it the first step toward justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, particularly in Cebu.
Jaime Paglinawan of Bayan Muna said they hope other officials allegedly involved in Duterte’s war on drugs -- such as retired generals and government officials, including Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and former PNP chief Debold Sinas -- will also be arrested.
“This arrest is just the beginning. He must face trial and be convicted as the mastermind behind the so-called ‘nanlaban’ cases, where police were allegedly ordered to plant weapons on victims and force them to resist so they could be killed,” said Paglinawan. (EHP)