In Davao City, a vibrant motorcade featuring bicycles and cars moved through streets adorned with campaign colors associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte and his family. Green balloons danced in the breeze, while supporters waved and raised their fists in solidarity as the convoy paused at intersections.
Motorcades like this one are pretty typical for campaign events across the Philippines, especially with elections coming up soon. Yet, this one feels different. Duterte is running again for the mayorship of Davao, his hometown, but he’s currently imprisoned in The Hague after facing charges for crimes against humanity related to his deadly “war on drugs.”
The International Criminal Court has estimated that between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians lost their lives during Duterte’s presidency, particularly in connection with the crackdown that started in July 2016. Tragically, many of those victims were young men from impoverished urban neighborhoods, killed in the streets.
As the convoy inched through evening traffic, cheers erupted from supporters, with music blaring in the background.
Duterte’s arrest has drawn praise from international human rights advocates and victims of the ongoing violence, but in Davao, his former stronghold, many still feel a deep loyalty to him.
“He’s been our mayor since I was born,” shared Ney Kabatuan, 41, who participated in the parade. “He was strict, but we saw him as a father figure. We felt like his children.” He mentioned that Duterte’s tough policies were aimed at improving the city’s safety, even if they came with a high cost.
“We hope and pray he will come back,” he added.
Supporters often challenge the evidence against Duterte presented to the ICC, arguing that he should face trial locally instead. Some even assert that the actions taken during his drug war were justified.
“They label him a villain, but to us, especially those from Davao, he’s a hero,” noted Marirow Karigonan, a 39-year-old nurse. “The drug war was necessary… sometimes, you need to sacrifice a few to save many.”
Supporters claim the fatalities were justified since the individuals involved often resisted arrest during police actions.
At 80 years old, Duterte is expected to secure the mayoral seat, though what role he might play while imprisoned remains in question. His vice mayor could take on more responsibility in his absence.
Meanwhile, the political landscape is complicated by a fierce power struggle between the Duterte family and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s family, with both vying for influence.
Legal troubles also loom large for the Dutertes. Duterte’s eldest daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is facing various allegations, including conspiracy and corruption related to assassination attempts. Her upcoming trial could jeopardize her political future, particularly with a crucial election on the horizon.
During a recent rally, Sara Duterte expressed her frustrations, stating that her family’s name has been dragged through the mud. “Who really benefits if our family is gone? Not the crime victims or hungry people,” she said.
In Davao, Duterte’s children and grandchildren have stepped in to rally support, with four of them running for office.
A small group of volunteers remains vigil outside Duterte’s home, expressing their distrust in the authorities. A cardboard cutout of Duterte stands at the gate, welcoming visitors for photos. Just last month, thousands gathered to celebrate his 80th birthday, sharing cake and camaraderie.
“Governance through fear”
Duterte’s political journey began by ousting the father of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1988. By the time he became mayor of Davao, he had already begun transforming the city into one known for its oppressive crime measures.
However, his anti-crime strategies came with dire consequences. Clarita Aria lost her four sons, aged between 14 and 17, during the aggressive crackdowns from 2001 to 2007.
“I lived in constant fear for my kids,” the 71-year-old recalled. “I warned them to stay indoors; I was terrified of what could happen.”
The police labeled her sons as criminals, even declaring them part of a “kill list.” Ultimately, they were murdered, with no one ever held accountable.
Others in Davao are too frightened to speak out, but Aria felt compelled to advocate for the victims of violence, hoping to prevent future tragedies.
Duterte, who became president in 2016, publicly admitted his connection to death squads while serving as mayor and has expressed no regrets about his approach to governance. Following his arrest, he remarked in a video message that he stands by his policies.
Magliana, an NGO worker contesting against Duterte’s son Paolo for a parliamentary seat, described the former president’s rule as “regulation by fear.” She believes a robust police and military presence has led many to accept authoritarianism as a necessity for safety against drugs and unrest.
“I think it has stifled the public’s ability to think critically about what kind of leadership our city really needs,” she added, noting that the drug war often targeted small-time dealers, leaving larger players untouched.
Ultimately, the diverse views among Duterte’s supporters and the general populace will play a significant role in shaping the upcoming elections, determining not only his family’s fate but also the political landscape of the Philippines. In Davao, supporters seem determined to protect their leaders, viewing their vote as a form of retaliation for perceived past injustices.
