THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported that the global celebration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's (FPRRD) 80th birthday, held at Freedom Park on Roxas Avenue on March 28, 2025, was a success with no untoward incidents recorded.
In a statement, DCPO Acting City Director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan credited the event's success to the deployment of over 5,000 personnel from the Public Security and Safety Office (PSSO), with more than 1,500 of these officers coming from the DCPO alone.
“The peaceful and orderly conduct of this significant event, with zero recorded incidents, is a testament to the strong collaboration between the people and security forces. The vigilance and cooperation of our fellow Davaoeños and visitors played a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment for all,” Marantan stated.
He emphasized the city's commitment to safety, stating, “As we continue to uphold Davao City's reputation as a model of discipline and security, let us remain watchful and proactive. Safety is a shared responsibility, and our collective efforts in fostering a culture of alertness, respect, and cooperation will ensure that our city remains peaceful and secure.”
The global tribute to Duterte saw millions of Filipinos from over 230 locations worldwide participating in the celebration. In Davao City alone, the gathering attracted over 330,000 attendees, according to MapChecking, a crowd-counting tool used by fact-checkers, contrary to the 60,000 figure estimated by the DCPO.
During the event, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte addressed the crowd, urging supporters to remain steadfast in their efforts. He called for continued prayer rallies until his father, former President Duterte, was brought back to the Philippines. He also warned that abandoning the cause would make the former president's contributions “meaningless.”
Supporters from all over Davao City’s three districts and neighboring provinces gathered along Roxas Avenue, clad in green shirts and waving Philippine flags.
Many carried tarpaulins bearing messages such as “FPRRD, Bring Him Home” and “I Stand with FPRRD,” while others chanted slogans like “Duterte!” “Marcos Resign!” and “Torre Pisot!” Some attendees brought birthday cakes, while free water, food, and shirts were distributed.
Duterte, who was transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2025, to face crimes against humanity charges, is scheduled to undergo a pre-trial hearing on March 14. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also scheduled the confirmation of the charges hearing for September 25, 2025. DEF