Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte launched the “Green Rise Action” on Sunday, a movement aimed at staging weekly protests to advocate for his release and bring him back home to Davao City from The Hague, Netherlands.
The grand launch, held at Rizal Park in Davao City, was attended by various local organizations and supporters of the former president.
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) senatorial candidates, including lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, Representative Rodante Marcoleta, and Dr. Richard Mata, were present at the event.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte also graced the occasion.
In his speech, the mayor urged Dabawenyos to remain resilient and strong following the arrest of the former president.
He encouraged supporters to participate in the weekly rallies to call for his father’s return to the country.
“Kitang mga Dabawenyo, dapat magpabilin kitang lig-on. Dili ta papildi sa ilaha. Diri nato makit-an ang atong kalig-on,” the mayor said.
According to Anne Mosot, executive assistant to Marcoleta, “Green Rise Action” is a continuation of the 80th birthday prayer rally for the former president.
“Tuloy-tuloy ni siya hangtod maabot si FPRRD ug hangtod nga ma-reach nato ang atoang goal nga naay kabag-ohan diri sa atong nasud,” Mosot said.
This coming Friday, April 11, marks one month since the arrest of the former president, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s war on drugs campaign.
