The Hague, Netherlands – Hundreds of Filipinos in Europe took to the streets on Saturday to show their support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained and facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial war on drugs.
Massive Protest in The Hague
Around 250 Duterte supporters gathered at the International Gay Monument in The Hague, the city where the ICC headquarters is located. The rally kicked off at 2 p.m. (9 p.m. in the Philippines) as demonstrators waved flags, held banners, and chanted messages of support for the former president.
Prominent figures like Senator Robin Padilla and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque attended the rally to encourage Duterte’s supporters.
Roque fired up the crowd, saying:
“This will be a long fight, brothers and sisters. Are you ready for this challenge?”
Meanwhile, Padilla urged Filipinos to stand together, reminding them:
“Let’s stop arguing and pointing fingers at each other. When we’re in another country, we should be allies, not enemies.”
Vice President Sara Duterte was notably absent from the gathering.
Prayer Rally in Prague
In Prague, Czech Republic, over 200 Filipinos from various cities came together for a prayer rally at Wenceslas Square. Many participants took a day off from work just to attend the event.
Jimmy Chavez Jr., one of the organizers, stated:
“We’ll see how this turns out and if our fellow Filipinos here in the Czech Republic will continue to support in the coming days.”
Global Call for Duterte’s Return
Aside from the protests in Europe, prayer rallies were also held in Manila and other cities in the Philippines on Saturday, calling for Duterte’s immediate return.
This came one day after Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I via video link, where the court formally read the charges against him related to the killings that took place under his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The court also informed Duterte of his legal rights under the Rome Statute and set the confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025.
How Duterte Ended Up in ICC Custody
Duterte was arrested on March 11 upon his arrival at NAIA Terminal 3 from Hong Kong. Philippine authorities then arranged a government-funded charter flight that flew him to The Hague the following day.
As the legal battle unfolds, Duterte’s supporters vow to keep fighting for his freedom. Will their voices be heard? The next few months will be critical.
