The usually quiet streets surrounding the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, were filled with emotion,
chants, and waving Philippine flags as supporters of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte gathered in a powerful display of solidarity.
From early morning until late in the day, groups of Filipinos—many of them overseas workers who
traveled long distances across Europe—stood outside the court complex calling for one thing: the return of the former leader to the Philippines.
Their chant echoed repeatedly through the cold air:
“Bring him home… send him back!”
For those gathered, the moment was not merely a political demonstration. It was a deeply emotional gathering that reflected the enduring loyalty many Filipinos still feel toward the controversial yet influential former president.
A Crowd Fueled by Loyalty
Witnesses described the atmosphere as intense but largely peaceful.
People held banners, waved flags, and sang patriotic songs as they waited near the court complex.
Some had traveled overnight from neighboring countries such as Germany, Belgium, and France. Others were Filipino residents in the Netherlands who came to show support for the man many of them still call “Tatay Digong.”
For these supporters, Duterte’s presidency represented a time of decisive leadership, particularly during his aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
Critics have long condemned that campaign as brutal and controversial. But to his followers, it symbolized courage and determination in confronting crime.
That difference in perspective has defined the national debate surrounding Duterte for years—and the gathering in The Hague showed that those divisions remain powerful.
The Speech That Stirred the Crowd
At the center of the gathering was Sebastian Duterte, the mayor of Davao City and the youngest son of the former president.
Often known simply as “Baste,” he addressed supporters who had assembled outside the ICC building.
Standing before the crowd in the cold European weather, he thanked the supporters for their presence and acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment.
“Thank you for coming,” he told them. “We know it is not easy, especially in this cold.”
His speech was a mixture of gratitude, reflection, and defiance.
He spoke about his father’s years in public service and the sacrifices the Duterte family faced when Rodrigo Duterte decided to run for the presidency in 2016.
A Family That Expected Controversy
During his remarks, Sebastian Duterte recalled that members of their family had initially opposed the idea of their father seeking the nation’s highest office.
According to him, they anticipated the intense political battles and criticism that would follow.
“We knew it would be messy,” he said.
Rodrigo Duterte had already gained national attention during his long tenure as mayor of Davao City, where his tough stance on crime made him both admired and feared.
Supporters credit him with transforming the city into one of the safest urban areas in the Philippines. Critics, however, accused him of tolerating extrajudicial killings.
Those conflicting narratives followed him into the presidency and remain central to debates about his legacy.
The Path From Davao to Malacañang
When Rodrigo Duterte ran for president in 2016, he positioned himself as an outsider determined to challenge the country’s traditional political elites.
His fiery speeches, blunt language, and promises of radical reform resonated with millions of voters frustrated with corruption and crime.
He won the election by a significant margin, beginning a presidency that would dramatically reshape Philippine politics.
During his six years in office, Duterte pursued an aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, reoriented the Philippines’ foreign policy toward closer ties with China and Russia, and frequently clashed with Western governments and international human rights organizations.
Supporters hailed him as a fearless leader.
Critics accused him of undermining democratic institutions and human rights.
Why the ICC Became Involved
The International Criminal Court began examining Duterte’s anti-drug campaign after allegations surfaced that thousands of suspected drug offenders were killed during police operations and vigilante attacks.
Human rights organizations argued that many of these killings occurred without due process.
The ICC prosecutor sought to investigate whether crimes against humanity had been committed during the campaign.
Duterte, who withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, repeatedly rejected the court’s authority and insisted that Philippine courts were fully capable of handling any legal questions about his administration.
This dispute over jurisdiction remains one of the central controversies surrounding the case.
Supporters Question Foreign Intervention
For many of the Filipinos gathered in The Hague, the ICC investigation represents what they see as foreign interference in their country’s internal affairs.
They argue that Duterte should be judged only by the Philippine legal system.
Some supporters carried signs expressing that sentiment.
Others simply shouted appeals for his return to the Philippines.
The protest highlighted a broader debate about sovereignty and international law—a debate that extends far beyond Duterte’s individual case.
Overseas Filipinos Join the Demonstration
A notable aspect of the gathering was the presence of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who traveled across Europe to attend.
Many said they felt compelled to show support for the former president because they believed he had fought for ordinary citizens during his time in office.
One attendee explained that the journey to The Hague took several hours but was worth it.
“We just want him to know that many Filipinos still stand with him,” she said.
Others described the experience as emotional and even surreal.
Standing thousands of kilometers from home, they felt connected by a shared sense of national identity and loyalty.
Police Presence and Crowd Control
Authorities in The Hague monitored the demonstration carefully.
Roads near the ICC complex were temporarily restricted to maintain order and ensure security.
While the crowd was energetic, reports indicated that protesters largely complied with instructions from local police.
Demonstrations near international courts often draw strong emotions, but Dutch authorities are experienced in managing such events peacefully.
By evening, many protesters began leaving the area after hours of chanting and speeches.
A Symbolic Moment
Whether one supports or opposes Duterte, the gathering in The Hague illustrated how deeply his presidency continues to resonate with many Filipinos.
Few modern leaders have inspired such intense loyalty—and equally intense criticism.
For supporters, the demonstration symbolized gratitude and solidarity.
For critics, it highlighted the ongoing divisions in Philippine society over how to interpret the legacy of the war on drugs.
Political Repercussions in the Philippines
Events at the ICC are being closely watched back home in the Philippines.
Political leaders, analysts, and ordinary citizens are debating what the case could mean for the country’s international reputation and domestic politics.
Some lawmakers argue that cooperating with international institutions demonstrates commitment to human rights.
Others insist that national sovereignty must come first.
The issue has become yet another flashpoint in the nation’s already complex political landscape.
The Enduring Influence of Duterte
Even after leaving office, Rodrigo Duterte remains one of the most influential figures in Philippine politics.
His supporters—often called “DDS” or “Diehard Duterte Supporters”—continue to defend his record passionately.
Many of them see his presidency as a turning point that brought decisive leadership to the country.
Critics, meanwhile, continue to push for accountability regarding alleged abuses during the anti-drug campaign.
These competing narratives ensure that Duterte’s legacy will remain a subject of debate for years to come.
A Moment That Reflects a Nation’s Divisions
The demonstration outside the ICC building may have been a single event, but it reflected a much larger story.
It revealed the emotional attachment many Filipinos feel toward a leader who dramatically reshaped the country’s political conversation.
It also underscored the ongoing tension between national sovereignty and international justice.
For those standing in the cold streets of The Hague, however, the moment was simpler.
They came to express loyalty to a man they believe fought for their safety and dignity.
And as their chants echoed through the city—“Bring him home… send him back”—they reminded the world that the story of Rodrigo Duterte remains far from over.