THE HAGUE, The Netherlands – Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte joined supporters gathered outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Center on Saturday to mark the 81st birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Addressing the crowd, Rep. Duterte expressed gratitude for the continued support shown not only for his father but for their family.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga Pilipino sa buong mundo na patuloy na nagdarasal para sa kalusugan ni (former) President Rody at salamat sa patuloy na suporta sa pamilya namin lalo na kay VP Inday," he said.
(I thank all the Filipinos in the whole world who continue to pray for the health of [former] President Rody, and thank you also for the continued support for our family, especially for VP Inday.)
A large turnout from across Europe
The street near the detention facility was filled with supporters who traveled from across Europe and beyond. The area was lined with flowers, letters, and photos, while a makeshift stage was set up with a sound system—turning the space into a coordinated gathering point for the celebration.
Rep. Duterte said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and the energy of the crowd.
“No words to describe it. Halos 'di ako makapagsalita. Sobrang daming tao at nasiyahan tayo at ang buong pamilya ay nagpapasalamat," he said.
(I was almost speechless. There were so many people and we were happy and the whole family is grateful.)
Updates on Duterte’s condition
With many supporters eager for updates, Rep. Duterte shared that the former president is in good condition and is being well cared for inside the facility.
“Last Thursday, andoon kami. Medyo tumaba tapos malakas na ang tuhod niya. Inalagaan naman siya. Mabuti sa loob ang mga doctor at nurse,” he said, recalling his recent visit.
(We were there last Thursday. He gained some weight and his knees are strong. We took care of him. The doctors and nurse inside the facility are good.)
He also said that his father is aware of the gatherings taking place just outside the detention center.
“Nasabihan ko. Naririnig niya, nandiyan lang siya sa may likod. Sabi ko, sa mga oras na ito, lapit lang siya sa may window," the congressman said.
(I told him about it. He could hear [what is happening], as he is just near the back. I told him to go near the window at about this hour.)
Rep. Duterte added that he plans to visit again on Monday.
Awaiting ICC decision on confirmation of charges
The gathering comes as attention remains focused on the ongoing proceedings at the ICC. The court’s Pre-Trial Chamber is currently evaluating whether there is sufficient evidence to confirm the charges of crimes against humanity filed against the former president—an essential step before a full trial can proceed.
Asked about the anticipated outcome, Rep. Duterte kept his response brief: We leave it all to God. Thank you."
Meanwhile, supporters continue to gather regularly outside the Scheveningen Detention Center.
Davao celebration, VP Sara message
Thousands of supporters took part in the joint celebration of the 89th Araw ng Davao and the 81st birthday of the former president in Davao City on Saturday.
Participants gathered for a solidarity walk along Roxas Avenue starting at 4 p.m.
The procession ended at Rizal Park, where a program was held in honor of Duterte’s birthday.
Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday called for vigilance against what she calls "weaponization of the law" and the "intrusion of foreign bodies" allegedly seeking to bypass Philippine courts.
"We must remain vigilant against the weaponization of the law and the unconstitutional intrusion of foreign bodies that seek to bypass our own courts," the vice president said in a video message.
"Our justice system must remain independent, serving only the mandate of the Filipino people and never the interests of foreign powers," she added.
VP Sara also thanked their family's supporters for remembering her father.
"Today, we celebrate the birthday of my father, our former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. To all the parallel support groups, volunteers, and the millions of Filipinos here and abroad who organized celebrations to honor him, maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang pagmamahal at katapatan (thank you very much for your unending love and loyalty)," she said.
"Your loyalty to him is a testament to a leadership that truly prioritized the safety and dignity of every Filipino family," the vice president added.
Former president Duterte has been detained at the ICC in The Hague since March 12, 2025 after his arrest. He is awaiting trial in connection with the alleged abuses in his war on drugs when he was Davao City mayor and president. —KG, GMA Integrated News
Facts Only
Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte joined supporters outside the ICC Detention Center in The Hague on March 12, 2025, to celebrate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 81st birthday.
The gathering included supporters from across Europe, with flowers, letters, photos, and a makeshift stage set up near the detention facility.
Pulong Duterte expressed gratitude for the support and stated that his father is in good health, having gained weight and receiving proper medical care.
He mentioned that Rodrigo Duterte is aware of the gatherings and can hear them from his cell.
Pulong Duterte plans to visit his father again on Monday.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber is evaluating evidence to confirm charges of crimes against humanity against Rodrigo Duterte.
In Davao City, thousands participated in a solidarity walk and program to celebrate Duterte’s birthday and the 89th Araw ng Davao.
Vice President Sara Duterte issued a video message thanking supporters and warning against the "weaponization of the law" and foreign interference in Philippine courts.
Rodrigo Duterte has been detained at the ICC since March 12, 2025, awaiting trial for alleged abuses during his war on drugs.
Executive Summary
On March 12, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs. On his 81st birthday, his son, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, joined supporters outside the ICC Detention Center to celebrate. The event drew a large crowd from across Europe, featuring flowers, letters, and a makeshift stage. Pulong Duterte expressed gratitude for the support and shared that his father is in good health, gaining weight and receiving proper care. He also mentioned that Duterte is aware of the gatherings outside his detention facility.
Meanwhile, in Davao City, thousands participated in a solidarity walk and program honoring Duterte’s birthday, coinciding with the 89th Araw ng Davao. Vice President Sara Duterte, in a video message, thanked supporters and warned against the "weaponization of the law" and foreign interference in Philippine courts. The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber is currently evaluating evidence to confirm charges against Duterte, a critical step before a full trial. Supporters continue to gather regularly outside the detention center, while the Duterte family maintains a stance of leaving the outcome to divine will.
Full Take
The strongest version of this narrative frames the Duterte family as resilient and supported by a global network of loyalists, while portraying the ICC proceedings as a politically charged intervention. The emotional tone is one of gratitude and defiance, with supporters rallying around a leader they perceive as unjustly targeted. The article highlights the family’s unity and the former president’s reported well-being, which could serve to humanize him amid legal challenges.
Patterns detected: ARC-0024 Ambiguity (vague references to "weaponization of the law" without specific examples), ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey (broad claims of foreign interference that retreat to general principles when pressed).
The root cause of this narrative is the tension between national sovereignty and international accountability. The Duterte family’s rhetoric leans into populist themes—foreign interference, judicial overreach, and grassroots loyalty—echoing historical patterns where leaders facing legal scrutiny rally supporters by framing themselves as victims of external forces. The implications for human agency are significant: supporters are mobilized through emotional appeals, while critics may see the ICC as a necessary check on impunity. The second-order consequences could include heightened polarization in the Philippines, with the Duterte family’s stance potentially influencing public trust in international institutions.
Bridge questions: How might the ICC’s decision—whether to confirm charges or dismiss them—reshape Philippine politics? What evidence would be required to substantiate claims of "weaponized law" or foreign interference? What perspectives from victims of the drug war are missing from this narrative?
Counterstrike scan: A coordinated influence campaign would amplify the "persecuted leader" narrative, portraying the ICC as a tool of Western imperialism while mobilizing supporters through emotional appeals. The actual content aligns with this pattern but lacks overt manipulation—it reports events and statements without clear distortion. The focus on family unity and supporter turnout serves to bolster legitimacy, but the article does not engage in outright propaganda.
Sentinel — Human
The provided text appears to be written by a human, as evidenced by local and specific details, use of idiosyncratic phrases, balanced but not overly formulaic reporting style, and lack of red flags for fabrication.