Hundreds show up at Zabeel Park in show of support for Philippine president's war against illegal drugs, corruption and poverty
DUBAI – Supporters of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gathered by the hundreds at Zabeel Park in Dubai on Saturday afternoon, as a pro-administration gathering started in Manila on the same day that the Philippines marked the 31st anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the world’s first bloodless coup. The gathering in Dubai was not a political display but a show of support for Duterte’s war against illegal drugs, corruption and poverty, said Noor Guiapal, co-founder of the United DDS Humanitarian Group, one of the first batch of more than 300 people who gathered at the park in Dubai. Guiapal said that a second pro-Duterte group of more than 200 people also arrived at the venue despite what she said were “bullying on social media and chat groups” by those who disapprove of the Philippine president. Those who came were from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Sharjah, with majority coming from Dubai, Guiapal said. “Di po natin maiwasan na may mga Filipino na hindi pro-Duterte so they’re trying to scare us (We can’t avoid it that there are some Filipinos who are not pro-Duterte, so they’re trying to scare us),” she told Expatmedia.net. “Alam po namin na may mga planong destabilization from opposition para patalsikin si President Duterte kaya hindi po namin sila hahayaang magtagumpay kung kailan po tayo nakakita ng maayos na leader (We know there are destabilization plans from the opposition to oust President Duterte and we will not let them succeed, not now that we have found a good leader),” Guiapal said.
The gathering in Dubai was peaceful and there was no confrontation from opposing groups, she said. “We didn’t spend money. People came there voluntarily, even bringing lots of food. One of the volunteers brought 10 boxes of drinks and water for people,” she said. The Duterte supporter also revealed that she was rallying behind the Philippine president’s war against drugs after her sister was allegedly murdered by suspected members of a drug syndicate in the Philippines in 2003. “They must have thought she was a secret spy for the police when in fact she had just arrived from abroad where she gave birth. This is why I feel that the war on illegal drugs is an important move because drugs has ruined a lot of young people’s lives,” she said. “As an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) I want my family to be safe while I am far away from them. This is why we need a leader who can suppress crime,” Guiapal said. Marge Gomez, co-founder of United DDS Humanitarian Group UAE, said she was excited and surprised by the number of people who showed up to show support to Duterte. “Nakikita ko lahat ng ibat-ibang groups of supporters sa Zabeel Park. Hindi nila alam saan pupunta. May halong takot at kaba ang mukha nila. Nung dumating ako sabi ko tara na doon sa unahan at mag picnic. Sumunod lahat sa akin tila ba prosesyon at excited lahat na makarating sa paroroonan (I saw several groups of supporters at Zabeel Park. They looked lost, with a mixture of fear and anxiety in their faces. I told them, ‘Come, let’s go in front to hold a picnic’ and they all excitedly followed),” she said, adding that the scene reminded her of a similar gathering in the desert last year to show support for Duterte’s presidential campaign. “The gathering yesterday was all voluntary. No one organized it but we can not stop Duterte supporters from coming,” said Gomez, who hails from Davao City where Duterte is from. “Davao is now one of the safest places on Earth like Dubai and I believe that only President Duterte can change the Philippines like what he did in Davao City… He will not be alone in his crusade and even if we are here in the UAE we will support him all the way,” said Gomez, who is also a full-time businesswoman in Dubai.
Expatmedia.net also spoke to a section of Filipinos in the UAE and here’s what they have to say about why they support Duterte: Reggie Jardin, IT specialist: "I am rallying to support Dueterte because I like most of his agenda and plan like war on drugs, his foreign policy, defensing our own sovereignty and cleansing of all narcopolitics, corrupt officials and of course the plan for federalism. Filipinos should support him because this is our only hope and last chance to change our government for the better as he is the only type of president that I have seen in my 31 years of existence who has the political will and pure dedication to his job, with very good strategic skills and vision for our country." Nabe Jerlan Abulais, supervisor: "I believe he can do more about the problem we are currently facing in the Philippines. He has done a lot since he sat as president and Filipinos see and feel the changes from the first day he sat in office." Rico Gamga, mechanical technician: "I am rallying to show my disappointment and anger at those who hinder the real change that Duterte and Filipinos are aiming for. Despite the huge changes that happened since Duterte became president, they keep on publishing in the media that there have been no changes just to brainwash some people." Martin Bobis, procurement executive: "I fully support Duterte as he is the only person who promised us that he will stop corruption, drugs and criminality in the Philippines." Sarah Czarina Abendanio, nurse: "I can feel Duterte’s sincerity to help the Filipino people. He gives hope, he brings a difference to the decade-long style of corrupt leadership and he does not tolerate bullsh*t and is not afraid of the so-called powerful and untouchable people. He walks the talk. Only now can we see real change and we can feel it." Khen Gonzalez, personal banker: "Duterte represents the true Filipino masses who are striving to have a better life. He does things people wish they could do but can’t because of social norms and whatnot. We cheer him on because he has done what others in politics could not do for more than 30 years."
In pictures: Pro-Duterte gathering in Dubai
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