BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
Hundreds of supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered for a motorcade and prayer rally in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church and Astro Park in Clark, Angeles City, on Tuesday night.
Holding placards and chanting “Duterte!” the crowd expressed their support for the former president. The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured that they do not prohibit such gatherings, especially in designated freedom parks.
“We cannot prevent groups from expressing their sentiments, especially those showing sympathy for our former president. That is allowed under the law, and the PNP respects their right to express their feelings,” said PNP spokesperson PBGen Jean Fajardo.
One of the notable personalities present at the rally was former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, who was part of the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“It’s a sad day in the history of the Philippines. Our former president has been brought to another country for an alleged trial over alleged crimes against humanity, even though we have our own sovereignty and a functioning justice system,” Albayalde said.
Despite this, he remains hopeful that the government will provide protection.
“We have legal means to fight this. We also trust our government to protect us, and we do not lose hope in our president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he added.
On Wednesday, more supporters staged another prayer rally at Arnedo Park and held a motorcade in several areas in San Fernando, Pampanga.
