PNP: Nearly 50,000 people participated in rallies after Duterte arrest

Progressive groups called for the conviction of former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity ahead of his first International Criminal Court appearance on Friday, March 14, 2025.

MANILA, Philippines — Almost 50,000 people participated in rallies following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Based on its data released on Monday, the PNP monitored 49,990 people who participated in 58 rallies from March 15 to 16.

Of the total, 3,000 participants were logged in Metro Manila, 2,150 in Central Luzon, 640 Mimaropa, 1,180 in Western Visayas, 6,300 in Zamboanga Peninsula, 3,850 in Central Visayas, 6,200 in Eastern Visayas, 9,500 in Northern Mindanao, 8,200 in Davao Region, and 8,890 in Soccsksargen.

The PNP, however, did not specify how many of these rallies were conducted by the Duterte supporters and families of the drug war victims.

RALLYING SUPPORT Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte speaks at a rally in Rizal Park, Davao City, on Sunday, March 16, 2025 where he criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the arrest of his father last week. At least 3,000 supporters joined the gathering that was held after the Parada Dabawenyo. — KATH CORTEZ

Based on reports, Duterte’s war on drugs left at least 6,000 people dead; however, human rights groups reported that the number may have reached 20,000.

Last March 11, Duterte was served an arrest warrant from the ICC over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war.

Duterte is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, and attended his pre-trial hearing at the ICC via video call last March 14.