PNP readies security measures for Duterte’s 80th birthday

SECURITY PREPS. Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo holds a virtual press conference on Tuesday (March 25, 2025). Fajardo said the PNP is finalizing the security measures for the prayer rally on the 80th birthday of former president Rodrigo Duterte on March 28. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it is finalizing measures to secure a prayer rally to mark the 80th birthday of former president Rodrigo Duterte on March 28.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the Police Regional Office in Region 11 (Davao) and the Davao City local government have been coordinating to prepare security measures for the prayer rally to be held at the Rotary Plaza New Corella in Davao del Norte province.

‘Yung ibinigay sa atin na information na prayer rally ang mangyayari diyan at we expect na marami din ang aattend diyan considering na taga Davao ‘yung ating dating pangulo (According to the information given to us, the prayer rally will be held there and we expect many will attended considering that our former president is from Davao),” Fajardo said in a virtual press briefing.

Fajardo said Davao City’s public safety office will provide final data as to the number of attendees to the prayer rally.

She said it is important for the PNP to formulate necessary security coverage to ensure the safety of everyone.

Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.

He is facing crimes against humanity charges before the International Tribunal Court (ICC) due to the deaths linked to his war against illegal drugs during his terms as Davao City mayor and as president.