Duterte supporters celebrate 'people's call for change'

Thousands of people converged in Luneta on September 2015 to urge then-Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to run for President.

Last year, they said they were calling for change — real change that they believed only Duterte could deliver.

A year later, they met again at Quezon Memorial Circle but this time to call for patriotism."Pagmamahal sa bayan hindi sa sarili," the supporters chanted on Saturday.

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Amid reports of extra judicial killings, his supporters chose to highlight the success of the President's war on drugs.

"Based on my observation, maganda naman 'yung nangyayari kasi ngayon wala ka nang nakikitang nagnanakaw, nari-rape," said Duterte supporter Lourdes Fidel.

[Translation: Based on my observation, the President is doing a good job because there are no more cases of theft, rape.]

Another supporter, Bryan Vidal, added, "In three months, naramdaman na po namin siya. Grabe. Tumatayo 'yung balahibo ko. Ang galing mo, Duterte!"

[Translation: In three months, we can already feel the impact of his work and actions. Wow. I am getting goosebumps. You are great, Duterte!]

The supporters cited the thousands of surrenderees who were once involved in drugs. As of September 24, the police said 721,067 people involved in drugs have surrendered.

The supporters not only approve of Duterte's tough stance on illegal drugs, but they also defend him against mounting criticisms.

Fidel said he is behind the President despite of all the criticism hurled at him, adding he does not believe the negative comments against Duterte.

Vidal added, "Bawat tao may sariling pag-uugali. Kailangan natin unawain para kinabukasan ng ating bansa at kaligtasan."

[Translation: We all have different personalities. We need to understand that for the future and safety of our country.]

For his millions of supporters, Rodrigo Duterte is no longer just a name, he has become a symbol of change.

source:cnnphilippines