The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and its allied organizations in the Philippines and overseas are gearing up for coordinated protests this coming March 28 to hold Rodrigo Duterte accountable for his crimes against the people. The mobilizations will coincide with 80th birthday of Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Netherlands for crimes against humanity of murder.

The protest day’s primary call is “justice for all Duterte’s victims.” Many relatives of victims of the regime’s extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations are expected to attend the mobilization. They will collectively light candles for justice.

In Manila, a large protest will be held at Liwasang Bonifacio, where a broader alliance called Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA) will participate. Protests will also take place in the United States, Europe, Australia, and countries in Asia.

“Duterte’s arrest is a step forward, but the fight is not yet over and our vigilance in needed until the former president and his co-perpetrators are handed a guilty verdict,” according to Bayan.

The group added that the protest is an opportunity for Filipinos to stand for what is right and to combat the disinformation narratives being peddled by the Duterte camp. Additionally, the mobilization will also call for accountability from the Marcos regime for the ongoing human rights violations in the country.

“The reluctance of Marcos to pursue justice is evident in his failure to file domestic cases against Duterte and his continuing refusal to rejoin the ICC,” Bayan further stated.

For Duterte’s birthday, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro wished the former president strength and good health so he can face his case at the ICC. She added that Duterte should stay healthy “so that the people may also achieve their justice.”