Duterte supporters gather at Luneta, back war on drugs | ABS-CBN

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Duterte supporters gather at Luneta, back war on drugs

Duterte supporters gather at Luneta, back war on drugs

Arianne Merez,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Feb 25, 2017 09:01 PM PHT

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President Rodrigo Duterte supporters gather during a vigil backing the anti-drugs crackdown at the Luneta Park. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

MANILA — Thousands of supporters of President Duterte converged at the Quirino Grandstand on Saturday night to show their support for the president's war on drugs and other advocacies.

Supporters from Manila and as far as Mindanao joined the gathering called "People's Support for Duterte's war against illegal drugs, poverty, and corruption."

Manila police estimated the crowd to be at around 200,000 as of 7 p.m.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said the gathering shows that support for the president has not changed despite criticisms against his administration.

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"Ito ay tanda ng suporta mula nung nagkakampanya pa lang tayo ay hindi nagbago ang paghanga at pagsuporta ng mga Pilipino dito sa ating pangulo," Aguirre said.

Among the personalities who joined the event were Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado and her son Jolo Revilla, and Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial.

A Duterte supporter, Imam Saeed Balabaran, came all the way from Mindanao with others from the group "Hugbong."

He said his group's trip was sponsored but did not disclose who the sponsor was.

"Mahalaga ito para sa aming mga Muslim kasi gusto ni Pangulo ng pagkakaisa," he told ABS-CBN News.

Maria Theresa Camacho, a member of the group "Friends of Duterte-Mandaluyong," said they received free food and transportation allowance from an unknown supporter.

She explained that she has been a supporter of Duterte even before the 2016 election campaign.

Bishop Ernesto Cunanan led the prayer-vigil for Duterte's presidency, which was followed by performances from different chorale groups.

Attendees of the gathering at Quirino Grandstand enjoyed free shirt printing and food.

A rock concert was set to follow at 10 pm.

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