Supporters and churchgoers, mostly wearing green shirts, gathered at the San Pedro Cathedral along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Wednesday for a prayer gathering dubbed “Bring Him Home Church Prayer,” attended by Vice President Sara Duterte to mark what she described as the first anniversary of the alleged “extraordinary rendition” of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The activity was also highlighted with a “Walk for Justice” from Magsaysay Park to Rizal Park and concluded with a program at Rizal Park joined by thousands of FPRRD’s supporters.
“Bring Him Home” prayer brought together supporters calling for the former leader’s return to the Philippines.
It coincided with the vice president’s statement commemorating the date, which she said tested the country’s democracy and legal institutions.
In her message, the vice president stressed that the incident raised concerns about due process and national sovereignty.
“Ngayong araw, ginugunita natin ang unang anibersaryo ng isang kaganapang sumubok sa ating demokrasya at sa mga prinsipyo ng due process at rule of law,” the vice president said.
She described the alleged “extraordinary rendition or kidnapping” of the former president as a serious reminder that the law should not be used for political interests.
“Ang pagyurak sa karapatan ng isang indibidwal sa pamamagitan ng mga iregular na proseso ay hindi lamang pag-atake sa katarungan; ito ay hamon sa ating pambansang soberanya,” she said.
Duterte emphasized that a truly independent nation must rely on its own institutions without outside interference.
“Ang isang tunay na malayang bansa ay pinapatakbo ng sariling mga institusyon na malaya mula sa anumang panlabas na panghihimasok o dikta,” she added.
She called on Filipinos to remain vigilant in protecting democratic institutions.
“Kailangang manatiling malaya, tapat, at matatag ang ating mga institusyon laban sa anumang pagsubok na baluktutin ang hustisya. Walang sinumang Pilipino ang dapat pagkakaitan ng proteksyon ng ating Saligang Batas,” she said.
The vice president called for unity and stressed that Filipinos must continue defending the nation’s dignity.
“Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang Pilipinas kung saan ang batas ay kalasag ng katarungan at ang ating soberanya ay iginagalang ng lahat. Patuloy nating ipaglaban ang dangal ng ating bansa.”
Meanwhile, Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte also issued a statement marking the same date, calling March 11 a painful moment for their family and for millions of Filipinos.
“For our family, it was not merely a political event. It was the day a father was taken away from his children and grandchildren,” he said.
Rep. Pulong also recalled his father’s decision to allow the burial of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which he described as an act made “in the spirit of reconciliation, healing, and respect for history.”
He said the public would remember the events of that day and judge them in time.
“March 11 is not just a date. It is a reminder of loyalty repaid with betrayal, of service answered with persecution, and of a nation that will one day demand accountability,” he said.
