Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered at the Liwasang Bonifacio today for a prayer rally as they call for the former president to be brought home to the Philippines.

The rally was a response to Duterte's arrest by the ICC last March 12, with the leader now in custody at The Hague, Netherlands.

Those gathered, wearing green which was Duterte's campaign color, waved Philippines flags and signs such as "Bring PRRD home" and "Justice for PRRD" while chanting "Bring him home".

"The Philippines is a sovereign country. We should not allow international forces to take our beloved President from us," one supporter from Manila said in an interview.

Supporters also carried placards with messages for the former President, wishing for his good health and calling the ICC system a sham.

"There will be a reckoning. We just have to trust Tatay Digong, he will put the ICC to shame," another supporter said.

Groups from the Muslim sector, anti-Marcos organizations, and the entertainment industry also gave messages of support for Duterte, calling out the Marcos administration for the arrest of Duterte. Those from the entertainment industry performed songs and dances for the crowd.

"We'd rather have a rude president than a president who's high on drugs (banggag). President Duterte made the Philippines safe," a Muslim supporter said.

Manila Police District Lawton Police Precinct estimated that over a thousand gathered for the rally. Yzabela Velez-White/DMS