SUPPORTERS of former President Rodrigo Duterte are expressing confusion over conflicting attendance figures reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the nationwide celebration of his 80th birthday on March 28, 2025.
The PNP estimated about 60,000 attendees at 240 events nationwide, but Duterte's supporters, especially in his hometown of Davao City, are disputing this figure. Some reports suggest over 350,000 people gathered in Davao alone.
Pro-Duterte social media users criticized the PNP's calculations, noting that 60,000 attendees across 240 locations would mean only 200 to 300 participants per rally. They also questioned the media for citing the PNP's numbers and pointed to independent sources like the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) and an interactive internet map, which reported significantly higher attendance in Davao City.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close Duterte ally, also challenged the PNP’s estimate.
In a social media video, he argued the actual turnout was at least 5,000 to 10,000 higher than reported, showing crowds in Davao City late on March 28.
“Their estimate is way off," said Dela Rosa.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, speaking on March 30, confirmed the 60,000 attendance estimate but emphasized that the events were peaceful.
However, local authorities in Davao City contradicted this, with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) stating that while their official figure was 60,000, other estimates ranged from 150,000 to 350,000.
DCPO spokesperson Police Captain Hazel Tuazon explained that these varying estimates were based on reports from the city’s integrated command post. As of press time, the PNP had not issued further clarification but maintained that the event was a success without incidents.
Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, faces charges of alleged crimes against humanity. His next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025. DEF