The Philippine National Police (PNP) is in the final phase of preparing security measures to ensure peace and order during the prayer rally organized for detained former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday on March 28 at the Rotary Plaza in New Corella, Davao del Norte.
PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said during a virtual press conference that the PNP Regional Office in Davao is coordinating with the Public Safety and Security Office (PSO) and the local government of Davao City to secure the event.
“The information given to us is that a prayer rally will happen,” Fajardo said. “We expect that many will attend considering that our former president is from Davao.”
Fajardo said the PNP is awaiting final data from the PSO before determining the number of personnel to be deployed. “As a normal procedure, the PNP will provide adequate security coverage to ensure the security and safety of all those attending that activity,” she added.
Duterte was surrendered to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11 and is currently in its detention center in The Hague, Netherlands. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant executed by the Interpol in cooperation with Philippine law enforcement authorities.
The former president is awaiting a pre-trial scheduled in September for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s “war on drugs,” which resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 suspected drug personalities from 2016 to 2019.
Supporters of Duterte are expected to gather in large numbers during the prayer rally to show solidarity and support for the former president amid ongoing international legal proceedings.