DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 December) – Approximately 45,000 Dabawenyos attended “Pahalipay sa Pasko,” the Duterte family’s annual gift-giving tradition, marking its first year without its patriarch, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands. Vice President Sara Duterte oversaw the event at their ancestral home in Bangkal. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported the gathering was peaceful and orderly, crediting the coordinated efforts of local police, security clusters, and community cooperation. Around 2,800 personnel were deployed to ensure safety. The tradition, initiated by Rodrigo Duterte during his mayoralty, involves distributing gift packs and hosting entertainment. Attendees queued for hours, some as early as Christmas Eve, enduring the heat to receive food packs. PCol. Mannan C. Muarip supervised security operations, emphasizing police visibility and traffic management. The event showcased strong collaboration among law enforcement, local government, and the community. The Duterte family has been a dominant political force in Davao for nearly 40 years. In a Dec. 24 statement, Vice President Duterte highlighted the importance of sharing blessings, especially with the less fortunate, and prayed for peace and stability. Rodrigo Duterte, arrested on March 11, 2025, faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. During his last “Pahalipay sa Pasko” in 2024, he urged supporters to remain loyal to the Duterte family in the 2025 elections. Vice President Duterte expressed gratitude for continued support and prayers for her father’s release, thanking supporters on behalf of the entire family. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
