Duterte Supporters' Unity Ride Rally Disrupted by Police During ASEAN Forum in Cebu
In a dramatic turn of events, Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) organized a Unity Ride rally in Cebu City on January 29, 2026, coinciding with the ongoing ASEAN Tourism Forum. The protest, which began at the North Reclamation Area (NRA), aimed to proceed to a prominent hotel and casino in the South Road Properties (SRP), where ASEAN activities were being held. However, the rally was met with a firm police blockade, sparking tensions and leading to arrests.
Police Intervention Halts Protest Route
The group of riders, carrying placards featuring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with the label "Plunderer Mastermind," was stopped by members of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) near Malacañang sa Sugbo. This action prevented them from entering the SRP, a move that followed an earlier appeal from Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro urging locals to avoid protests to ensure the safety of foreign delegates attending the ASEAN forum.
Former Congressman Mike Defensor, who participated in the caravan, documented the incident via Facebook Live, criticizing the police intervention. He emphasized that the rally was intended as a peaceful expression of grievances regarding government corruption and the dismissal of impeachment complaints. "We are not disturbing anyone; we just want to express our sentiments in a quiet, peaceful, and clear manner," Defensor stated.
Arrests and Charges Filed Against Organizers
After being blocked at the SRP, the riders diverted their route to locations such as Plaza Sugbo, Fuente Osmeña, and the Capitol, eventually ending up in Barangay Mabolo. While some riders were eating and parked at the NRA, police reportedly rounded them up, an action described by Defensor as harassment since the rally had concluded peacefully.
One of the organizers, Jun Abines, a known critic of President Marcos Jr., was detained at the Mabolo Police Station. An official from the police force revealed that Abines faces charges of Obstruction of Justice for insisting on holding the rally without a permit from the city government. CCPO Director Police Colonel George Ylanan has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
Impact on ASEAN Forum and Security Measures
The ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu is expected to bring significant investments and tourism to the country, prompting heightened security measures across the city. The disruption of the Unity Ride rally underscores the delicate balance between public expression and maintaining order during international events. This incident highlights ongoing political tensions in the Philippines, particularly between supporters of former President Duterte and the current administration.
As the situation develops, further updates may shed light on the legal proceedings against the arrested individuals and the broader implications for protest rights in the context of major governmental gatherings.
