FILIPINOS in the UK, Finland, South Korea, Dubai, Canada, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, New York, Texas, and Japan, held lightning rallies to demand that former President Rodrigo Duterte be returned from the International Criminal Court’s custody.
The Filipinos, mostly overseas contract workers, expressed anger, sadness, frustration, worry, and longing for Duterte, who is being tried for crimes against humanity while he was a Davao City mayor and a Philippine president.
This rally in support of Former President Duterte was seen as a demonstration of the enduring popularity of Duterte among Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad.
In the UK
A group of Filipinos gathered in front of the Philippine Embassy in London on March 16, 2025, to show their deep concern for Duterte.
“It’s so difficult to explain how we really feel as it is a roller coaster of emotions. We are furious, we are sad, we are worried and we are longing for Tatay to be home again,” said Esther Martin, an OFW, using the affectionate term Tatay (father) to address Duterte.
Participants emphasized Duterte’s significance to Davao City, where he served as mayor for many years.
“Si Digong is like a father to us Dabawenyo. He made us feel safe,” Martin said. “Nagdako mi nga dili mabalaka nga naay mag buang buang sa amo sa kadalanan (We grew up without worrying about troublemakers on the streets).
“He was strict but he was fair. And, of course, his humor; we loved him for being him,” she said.
Participants strongly opposed the ICC’s involvement, questioning its credibility.
“To International Criminal Court – ICC what is it that you want?!!! You do not even have the credibility to continue this b****** fiasco!! Bring him home!!!” she exclaimed.
The emotional gathering saw many participants struggling to hold back tears. “I had to hold my tears but my heart was sinking,” she shared.
The group also expressed solidarity with Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
“Sebastian Duterte Mayor, you will never be alone in this fight! Dili gyud mi muundang hantod dili mapauli na si Tatay (We will not stop until Tatay is brought home),” she declared.
New York rally: BRING PRRD HOME!
Around 300 to 400 Filipino supporters gathered at the Philippine General Consulate in New York on March 16 and marched toward the Times Square, about half a mile away.
‘DUTERTE! DUTERTE!’ in South Korea
Filipino supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte chanted his name during their peace rally at Hyehwa-dong, Jongno District in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday.
They are calling for Duterte’s immediate release and return home. A larger gathering is scheduled to take place in Daegu, South Korea on April 13, 2025.
Japan Loves Duterte
Filipinos in Japan gathered across different locations despite the rain, showcasing their genuine love and support for Tatay Digong.
“We stand for PRRD! Bring Him Home!” They chanted.
OFWs in Dubai
A group of Filipino workers in Dubai, UAE, gathered to show their support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
According to reports, the Filipino workers convened at a mall in Dubai to express their solidarity with Duterte. They carried flags and posters bearing messages of support for the former President.
The Filipino workers believe that Duterte’s detention is a violation of his human rights. They called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to release Duterte and drop the charges against him.
Filipino community in Montreal
A group of Filipino Canadians gathered in Montreal, Canada, on March 15, 2025, to show their support for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The rally, documented by Edward Ralph Llesis Esplago, featured chants of “Duterte! Duterte! Duterte!” and placards bearing slogans such as “#GodSaveThePhilippines,” “#BringDuterteBackHome,” and “#DutertePaRin”.
The event was seen as a demonstration of the enduring popularity of Duterte among Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad.
Prayer rally in Milan
Filipino supporters of former President Duterte in Milan, Italy called for the return of the former president to the Philippines.
The rally highlighted the strong support for former President Rodrigo Duterte among his constituents in Davao City and the deep concern felt by overseas Filipinos regarding the ICC investigation.
