Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Over 1,600 Filipinos gathered at King’s Park Wildflower Pavilion for a peaceful prayer rally on Saturday in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte in an event marked by a strong sense of community and solidarity among attendees.
Pastor Ric Niere led the assembly in a heartfelt community prayer, invoking blessings and strength for the former President. The atmosphere was one of unity and hope, as participants joined together in prayer and reflection.
Adding to the significance of the event, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go made a video call to address the crowd. His words resonated deeply with the attendees, further emphasising the importance of the rally and the collective support for Duterte. The crowd loudly chanted “Duterte” during Senator Bong Go’s speech, and towards the end, they also chanted Bong Go’s name, showing their appreciation for his support.
Mervin Matondo, one of the lead organisers, expressed his gratitude to the kababayans for their strong expression of unity. He thanked everyone for coming together and showing their unwavering support for the former President.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta, Ang target po namin ay 150 lamang. Pero umabot na tayo ng 1,600 plus. Damang dama po ang pagmamahal ninyo sa Tatay Digong,” Matondo said.
Che Mampusti, a former Davao City Hall employee, also spoke at the rally. She narrated how peaceful Davao City was under Duterte’s watch and highlighted his commitment to peace and order. Her speech added a personal touch to the event, resonating with many in the crowd.
Five other speakers shared short messages, including two Australian locals from Perth. They praised Duterte for his tough governance, especially in ridding the country of illegal drugs, and expressed their admiration for his efforts in maintaining law and order.
The messages and performances were occasionally interrupted by passionate chants of “Duterte. Duterte” and “Bring him home,” reflecting the deep connection and longing of the community for their former leader. The crowd was lively and very expressive of their love for Duterte, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and emotion.
The peaceful gathering showcased the strong ties within the Filipino community in Perth and their unwavering support for their former leader. The event concluded with a sense of renewed hope and camaraderie among those present.
