Thousands of people, mostly from religious groups opposing the death penalty and extrajudicial killings, joined 'Walk for Life,' a march calling for respect for the dignity of life, Saturday morning at the Quirino Grandstand.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque thanked leaders of the Catholic church for a peaceful gathering.

"As we all know, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is open to constructive criticism. He allows everyone, including the protesters, to fully exercise their right to express their grievances within the bounds of the law. Today’s Walk for Life is a testament that democracy and freedom are very much alive in the Philippines," he said.