Duterte’s supporters in Cebu to hold motorcardes, public gatherings to mark ex-President’s 80th birthday

Local

SUPPORTERS of former president Rodrigo Duterte in Cebu will be organizing motorcades and public gatherings to mark his 80th birthday on Friday, March 28.

Moises Deiparine, founding officer of Duterte Riders Team Philippines and leader of its Cebu chapter, announced on Wednesday, March 26, that thousands of motorcycle riders are expected to participate in the two-day series of activities.

The events aim not only to mark Duterte’s milestone birthday but also to amplify calls for his return to the Philippines amid the International Criminal Court’s ongoing investigation into his alleged role in extrajudicial killings.

The celebration will begin on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. with a "mañanita" event starting in Cansaga, Consolacion.

Supporters will then launch a motorcade heading north to Danao City, where a program will be held at 8:00 p.m. featuring live music and messages from various members of Duterte Riders Team Philippines.

The gathering is expected to last until midnight to welcome Duterte’s birthday on March 28.

On Friday, March 28, another motorcade will roll out, this time joined by at least 26 more smaller groups from Duterte Riders Team Philippines coming from other provinces.

The convoy will culminate at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, where an informal gathering of supporters will be held.

Group leaders and members will be given the chance to deliver messages emphasizing their collective appeal for Duterte’s return to the country.

Deiparine said they expect at least 2,000 to 3,000 participants to take part in the two-day celebration.

He added that the events will remain non-political, stressing that while public figures may attend, no one will be allowed to campaign or promote their candidacy for the upcoming elections.

The organizers want the focus to remain solely on celebrating Duterte’s birthday and expressing support for him amid his detention.

He emphasized that the initiative comes purely from Duterte’s supporters and not from any political machinery.

The group intends to showcase continued public support for the former president without being tied to any partisan interests.

Duterte is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity related to the bloody war on drugs that he led during his presidency and prior term as mayor of Davao City.

The ICC probe focuses on alleged extrajudicial killings that took place between 2011 and 2019, with thousands of deaths reported under police operations and vigilante-style executions.

Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the country’s membership.

Duterte has long rejected the ICC’s authority, describing its investigation as an attack on Philippine sovereignty.

Nonetheless, he was detained earlier this year while in a country that is a party to the Rome Statute, which obliges member states to enforce ICC arrest warrants. The detention has reignited debate in the Philippines over international accountability and domestic justice.(MyTVCebu)