By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – A huge crowd gathered in Davao City for the solidarity walk in support of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called for the resignation of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
What began as a quiet Sunday morning, March 16, shifted when thousands of people filled the streets, chanting “Duterte” and “Bring back home.” They also chanted “Marcos resign” during Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s speech.
“I want to take this opportunity to tell Mr. Marcos how I feel about him. Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved, especially by us who are calling out Rody Duterte’s name. You will never be loved,” Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte openly criticized Marcos during the Parada Dabawenyo, the culmination of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw. He emphasized that the people, who believes in FPRRD, will stand their ground and continue to call for Rody Duterte’s freedom.
The city mayor attributed the political tension to the former Chief Executive’s stance against traditional politicians, suggesting that these figures fear Rody Duterte for exposing their true agendas.
Mayor Duterte accused Marcos and other political figures of rejecting his father’s influence because it disrupts their strategies. He stressed that Marcos lacks genuine public support and just relying on government resources to hold power.
“I pray you finish your term, Mr. Marcos – I pray,” Mayor Duterte said, while also pointing out that Duterte’s supporters once helped Marcos secure his post and that he also owed their father’s (Marcos Sr.) proper burial to FPRRD.
When the crowd began chanting “Hukayon (Dig)” — demanding the exhumation of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — Mayor Duterte discouraged the idea as the late president has nothing to do with the current status of the country.
The city mayor urged the public to respect former President Duterte’s decision on the matter. He also asked the crowd to continue praying for Rody Duterte, who is currently held at The Hague, Netherlands, instead.
Mayor Duterte also hinted at illegal drugs as a major issue under the Marcos administration, blaming it for destroying families and communities. The crowd responded by mocking Marcos and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Police Major Gen. Nicolas Torre.
“This fight is not over. We won’t let Rody Duterte’s sacrifices go to waste,” the city mayor said, thanking the people of Davao and the Duterte supporters around the world for their unwavering support and genuine concern for his father.
Mayor Duterte admitted that seeing photos of his father in the hands of their supporters stirs deep emotions. He said Rody Duterte has indeed impacted the people around the world with such a massive support.
“Since my father was illegally arrested, I have not been able to understand what I am feeling. It’s truly been a roller coaster of emotions. But seeing your support towards my father and my family gives me more strength,” Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte urged the people of Davao and all Filipinos to stay resilient and united amid his father’s ongoing detention. He said this is not the time for the people to feel weaken, and that they must not allow unjust treatment from the government.
Also present at the event were senatorial candidate Philip Salvador and reelectionist Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, both members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) chaired by former President Duterte.
In his speech, Go urged the public to remain steadfast in their calls for Rody Duterte’s safe return to the country and pray for his good health during his ongoing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The 88th Araw ng Dabaw’s Parada Dabawenyo, featuring 444 participating contingents, became a powerful display of solidarity with the former president. A solidarity night, attended by various government officials, was also held after the parade.
