‘Green Rise Action’ launched at Rizal Park in Davao City

DAVAO CITY (April 6) — Hundreds of residents and local officials gathered at Rizal Park in Davao City on Sunday afternoon for the launch of the Green Rise Action, a public demonstration expressing support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

The activity began at 4:00 PM and was led by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who addressed the crowd and encouraged civic participation in the weekly event.

“Every Sunday, we gather here. Everyone has the right to express their feelings, and I encourage all of you to continue participating,” Mayor Duterte said in his speech.

Several senatorial candidates from the PDP-Laban party were also present during the event. They joined residents in calling for the former president’s return and expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration.

According to the young Duterte, the Green Rise Action is envisioned as a regular Sunday gathering at Rizal Park, serving as a platform for supporters of the Duterte family and the previous administration to express their political sentiments. It is also viewed as a public demonstration of dissatisfaction with the present national leadership.

In his remarks, Mayor Duterte reflected on his father’s legacy and hinted at hopes for a political resurgence.

“Maybe one day, the people will once again choose a leader who will carry on the dreams and legacy of former President Duterte,” he said.

Former DBM Secretary Atty. Wendel Avisado said that every Sunday thereafter, there will be a Green Rise Action Day in solidarity with the former president. “It is our way to reaffirm our commitment to justice and public awareness.”

“This is also our way of telling the government how sad and angry we are over the ongoing injustice being done to our former president,” Avisado said.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently in detention at the International Criminal Court in The Hague as he faces charges related to alleged crimes against humanity over his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

The ICC began investigating the so-called “war on drugs” in 2021, which international human rights groups criticized for the reported deaths of thousands of alleged drug suspects.

While Duterte and his allies have rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, his detention in early 2025 drew widespread attention. It sparked protests and rallies from supporters across the Philippines, especially in his hometown of Davao City, where he served as mayor for a long time before becoming president in 2016.

The Green Rise Action is expected to continue with more supporters and local officials joining. Organizers say they will also use the gathering as a platform to voice social and political concerns and promote candidates aligned with Duterte’s brand of leadership ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

The PDP-Laban party, once chaired by the former president, is actively endorsing candidates who have pledged to pursue what they describe as a “continuation of Duterte’s legacy.”