CAGAYAN DE ORO—Frosted cakes, pansit, and music marked the 81st birthday of jailed former President Rodrigo Duterte as supporters gathered in the city on Saturday night.
The crowd at Divisoria Kiosko—a site synonymous with 1980s anti-Marcos rallies—cheered to chants of 'Bring him home' and 'We are proud DDS' while listening to musician Vic Saway and local performers until 10 p.m.
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Supporters highlighted the evening by distributing 81 frosted cakes after lighting three candles to symbolize their wish for Duterte’s 'longer life.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) currently detains the former president in The Hague, Netherlands
“I wish that he can come home to us because he is not guilty of the crimes he has been accused of,” said Evelyn Tacbobo, 60, a retired Social Security System employee.
Tacbobo said she backed Duterte’s style of governance, citing his campaign against illegal drugs and corruption and his focus on serving ordinary citizens.
“The killings of drug addicts were justified because they were guilty and incorrigible,” she said.
The crowd erupted when Councilor Joyleen “Girlie” Balaba, a longtime Duterte ally, took the stage.
Balaba commanded the crowd's attention by shouting, 'Who are we?'"
“We are DDS! We are proud DDS,” the crowd responded.
Balaba later said Cagayan de Oro remains “Duterte country,” noting that residents supported 11 of the 12 senatorial candidates in the 2025 elections.
She added that Duterte prioritized the city during his administration, citing the government’s COVID-19 response and infrastructure projects such as river boulevard lighting and coastal highways.
Balaba also expressed hope that residents will continue to support the Duterte family, especially after Vice President Sara Duterte announced plans to run for president in 2028.
