MANILA, Philippines – Supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte held a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Saturday, March 15, calling for his “safe return” to the country following his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte’s allies, including Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who made his first public appearance in Metro Manila since the former president’s arrest, attended the event. The ICC arrested Duterte on Tuesday, March 11, over his brutal drug war that human rights groups say claimed around 30,000.
Duterte was brought to the Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC is located. He made his first appearance at the ICC on Friday, March 14.
Below are the scenes from the prayer rally.
‘JUSTICE.’ Duterte supporters call on the Marcos government to bring home former president Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by Jire Carreon/RapplerFIRST APPEARANCE. Senator Bato dela Rosa attends and speaks at the Bring Home PRRD rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila in March 15, 2025. Photo by Jire Carreon/RapplerUNITY. Supporters light up their mobile phones and candles as they sing a song dedicated for former President Rodrigo Duterte as they continue their prayer rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 15, 2025. Photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler
SINGING. Supporters light up their mobile phones and candles as they sing a song dedicated for former President Rodrigo Duterte as they continue their prayer rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 15, 2025. Photo by Jire Carreon/RapplerALLIES. Key Duterte supporters attend the prayer rally for former president Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by Paterno Esmaquel II/Rappler