Duterte Supporters Rally Across Philippines for His 80th Birthday

On March 28, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte turned 80 years old while incarcerated at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs. To mark the occasion, his family and supporters held over 200 rallies across the Philippines and in The Hague, with Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, expressing that their support makes his challenges more bearable. Despite the serious allegations against him, which include potentially tens of thousands of killings, supporters maintain his innocence and demand his release. Duterte's legal team is actively working to contest the charges, which he believes are unjust. His arrest on March 11 followed a split with his political ally, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., prompting concerns over his political legacy and support back home. As supporters rally for him, the ICC proceedings are set to confirm the charges against him during a court appearance scheduled for September 23.