By JEN BAYLON
Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered in a solidarity rally outside the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday evening, March 12, to express their opposition to his recent arrest and extradition to The Hague in the Netherlands.
The rally, marked by chants of “Duterte, Duterte” and waving Philippine flags, drew attention to what participants described as an unjust move by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a violation of Philippine sovereignty.
The Bacolod rally drew an estimated 650 participants, though organizers claimed higher numbers.
Among those present were Partido Demokratiko Pilipino senatorial candidate Jayvee Hinlo, Negros Occidental gubernatorial candidate Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca, and councilor aspirant Andoni Llantada.
Palanca criticized Duterte’s arrest as a blow to national sovereignty, asserting that the Philippines has its own legal system capable of addressing such matters.
He also announced plans for sustained protests across Negros Island.
Meanwhile, Hinlo expressed concern over Duterte’s health and questioned the fairness of his extradition without undergoing domestic legal processes.
Local officials offered mixed reactions.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez stated that peaceful protests would be allowed if proper procedures were followed.
Benitez also suggested that the ICC trial could provide Duterte an opportunity to clear his name.
Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya echoed this sentiment, urging adherence to legal processes.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez emphasized the importance of respecting democratic principles such as human rights and due process.
He called on citizens to remain engaged yet focused on broader national progress, advocating for unity in addressing pressing societal issues.
Duterte was arrested on Tuesday, March 11, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following an ICC warrant for his alleged crimes against humanity tied to his controversial war on drugs.
The former president, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, faces accusations of overseeing thousands of extrajudicial killings during anti-drug operations.
Despite withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the court proceeded with its investigation, citing jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.
The Department of Justice defended the ICC’s actions, stating that established protocols were followed during Duterte’s arrest to ensure due process and protect his rights./JB, WDJ