Davao City Councilor Calls for Prayer as ICC Hearing on Duterte Proceeds
Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang has publicly urged citizens to engage in prayer for former President Rodrigo Duterte as the confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues this week. The appeal comes amid heightened attention from Duterte's supporters, who recently organized a drone display in the city.
Drone Display and Supporters' Chants
On Friday, August 22, 2025, the sky above Davao City was illuminated by a drone display along Davao Coastal Road, where supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered. Despite challenging weather conditions, participants chanted "Limang Buwan, Isang Sigaw. FREE DUTERTE!" This rallying cry calls for his release from the ICC detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, where he has been held for five months.
Councilor Dayanghirang's Spiritual Focus
When asked for comment on the first day of the ICC proceedings, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang stated he would not issue further statements and instead emphasized the power of prayer. Speaking at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, he declared, "We need to pray hard before Friday and thereafter."
Dayanghirang noted that Duterte supporters are closely monitoring the hearings, which run from February 23 to 28, 2026. He confirmed there are no planned public activities in support of the former president and that the 21st City Council will not issue any new resolutions related to the proceedings, having previously sent two resolutions.
Previous Council Resolutions
The 21st City Council approved a resolution on July 15, 2025, supporting Duterte's appeal to the ICC for immediate release and repatriation. Similarly, the 20th City Council passed a resolution on March 25, 2025, urging the Senate to back his release. These actions underscore the local government's historical stance on the matter.
Broader Prayers for Peace and Stability
Councilor Dayanghirang expressed a belief in divine intervention over human efforts, stating, "I believe in higher powers rather than human intervention. In this case, I believe it's God's will, and we will pray more." He prayed for Duterte to have strength, peace of mind, and courage, while also asking for comfort for his family and supporters and for calm amid potential public unrest.
Additionally, he prayed for the continued peace and progress of Davao City, hoping that businesses thrive, children learn in safe environments, and families live with dignity and hope. This holistic approach reflects concerns about the broader impact of the ICC proceedings on the community.
Background on Duterte's ICC Case
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was taken to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 12, 2025, and made his first appearance before the ICC via video link on March 14, 2025. The current confirmation of charges hearing is a critical phase in the legal process, determining whether the case will proceed to trial. As the hearing unfolds, the focus in Davao City remains on spiritual support and community stability.
