An estimated 60,000 Filipinos gathered in around 200 rallies across the country to mark the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Sunday.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told Super Radyo dzBB that the events were held peacefully, with no untoward incidents recorded.
“Overall, the activities were orderly and calm,” said Fajardo.
Duterte’s supporters staged birthday rallies and prayer events in areas including Davao City, Cebu, Manila, and Davao del Norte.
Duterte, who turned 80 on March 28, is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands, while facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged extrajudicial killings during his controversial war on drugs.
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to those who honored her father’s birthday, both in the Philippines and abroad.