CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 29 March) — Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 81st birthday celebration on Saturday night featured frosted cakes, pancit, and entertainment as around 800 supporters gathered at the Divisoria Kiosko, a historic site for anti-Marcos rallies in the 1980s. Amid chants of “Bring him home” and “We are proud DDS,” attendees enjoyed performances by musician Vic Saway and local artists until 10 p.m. Duterte, who has spent two birthdays in a Hague detention center facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court, was honored with 81 cakes. Three cakes were ceremoniously lit with wishes for his “longer life,” while the rest were distributed to supporters. Evelyn Tacbobo, a 60-year-old retiree, expressed her wish for Duterte’s return, defending his governance style, particularly his anti-drug and anti-corruption campaigns, and justifying the killings of drug addicts as dealing with the “guilty and incorrigible.” The emotional crowd erupted when Councilor Joyleen “Girlie” Balaba, Duterte’s former girlfriend during his tenure as Davao City mayor, took the stage, leading chants of “We are DDS! We are proud DDS.” Balaba emphasized Cagayan de Oro’s strong support for Duterte, citing benefits during his presidency, such as COVID-19 responses and infrastructure projects. She encouraged continued backing for the Duterte family, especially with Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
