- Supporters take to the streets to show outrage during Araw ng Dabaw
AFTER the innocuous Araw ng Dabaw civic-military parade, the streets immediately turned black and the ground roared with a rumbling echo as a massive crowd marched and chanted “Duterte!” and “Bring Duterte home!” during the solidarity walk for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Estimated to be between 20,000 and 30,000, the supporters wore black shirts and held up signs like fighting banners as they moved like a single organism, pressed shoulder to shoulder, toward San Pedro Square where the “One Davao: Solidarity Night”
The City Tourism Operations Office previously said the Araw ng Dabaw civic-military parade will not be politicized. However, the organizers found a workaround by tailing the traditional march with their own.
In fact, hundreds peeled off from the primary parade to join the solidarity walk. It’s almost the foundation day parade has become an afterthought.
Then again, nothing could have contained—no barrier, no decree, no police—the force of their unwavering purpose.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte thanked those who joined the activity for his father. He even quipped about being mad at them because he becomes emotional every time they hold up photos of the former president, much to the crowd’s delight.
He also thanked Filipinos worldwide for taking to the streets and showing their support in the effort to pressure the International Criminal Court into releasing Duterte, who will turn 80 years old on March 28.
“From the time my father was arrested illegally, it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. But every time I can see your support, it strengthens me,” he told the crowd
He also shared that from the political persecution his family received, he would no longer be surprised if this is his last “Araw ng Dabaw.”
“It seems to me that the stories I’ve heard about martial law and oppression are synonymous with the Marcos family name,” he said, which triggered a rhythmic chant of “Marcos resign!”
“Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved,” he said. “We will stand up and we will fight back.”
“I’m no longer surprised because Rody Duterte stood up to all the traditional politicians who don’t want this country to progress,” he added. “Along with Marcos and other thick-faced politicians, they don’t want a Rody Duterte because it would foil all their selfish plans for the government”
He then addressed Mr. Marcos, “Aside from you not being loved by the people, all you have is this government’s resources and your term, beyond that, you are nothing.”
“The son of a bitch might have forgotten that we were the ones who helped him sit on where he’s now sitting. I truly pray Mr. Marcos that you would be able to finish your term.”
The chant “Marcos resign” murmured through the crowd before breaking out into a war cry as the crowd waved Philippine flaglets and their fists.
“We were raised as Davaoeños who are persistent, brave, and who want peace. Davaoeños seek the truth and Davaoeños are proud.”
“I feel we are being persecuted and trampled upon, if you are not here, I would be gone. I’m just one man, a son of my father. I am not speaking about this because I am my father’s son or a Davaoeño but because I am a Filipino who believed in one president who aimed to build a nation for the future of all Filipinos.”
“It’s about us, the Filipino people and how a government treats its own,” he said.
Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, who served as Duterte’s executive assistant from 1998 to 2022, said his heart broke after what happened to his former boss.
“He was reluctant about being a president but he did his best to serve. Is this his reward for serving our people faithfully and sincerely?” he said.
“Please stay calm because they might use this (protest) against us,” he added.
He also shared how he feels sorry for Duterte because he was used to being cared for by his personal nurse, who was already sent home to the Philippines. The detained former head of state was on daily maintenance medication for 27 different brands.
Go said the foreign doctors changed his medication, which might have contributed to how he acted during his first appearance before the ICC on Friday night (PH time).
Go reechoed what he said at a rally in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, on Saturday night.
“I know… he can barely put on his socks. Who will put on his socks for him there?” he asked.
“Do you know, he doesn’t even know the names of the medications his nurse gives him,” he said.
“What do they want to do to Tatay Digong?” he asked. “If they were able to send Tatay Digong there, then find a way to bring him back here.” Rhoda Grace B. Saron
