A ‘Black Friday’ protest organized by the Gabriela Women’s Party and other advocacy groups, called the conviction of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is facing crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.
The protest, held along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, echoed the calls for justice from those who lost loved ones due to Duterte’s deadly war on drugs.
Gabriela, as the only women’s party in Congress, took a leading role in seeking accountability for the thousands of women who were affected by the campaign that resulted in the deaths of at least 6,000 people.
In Manila, Lasallian student activists and relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings gathered at the Teresa Yuchengco Grounds and marched inside the De La Salle University campus.
Meanwhile, large crowds gathered in various cities to show support for Duterte. From the cities of Kidapawan to Butuan, Malaybalay, and Valencia City in Bukidnon, crowds assembled to offer songs and lit candles in honor of the former president.
A large motorcade took place in the Duterte bailiwick of Davao City, while noise barrages were organized in Cagayan de Oro City and Piquit, Cotabato.
Supporters of the embattled former chief executive were also present in several cities across the Visayas, including those in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete, and Guihulngan, along with Sogod in Southern Leyte.
In a related development, 18 of the 77 remains of alleged victims of extrajudicial killings were blessed at the Healing Shrine in La Loma Cemetery, with some families expressing satisfaction with the progress of Duterte’s case. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
