Cheering crowds acclaim Duterte's triumph in the mayoral election

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Supporters of ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte cheered his win in the Davao City mayoral race, despite his incarceration at The Hague by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"Duterte's victory with over half a million votes showcases undying loyalty and trust the Dabawenyos continue to uphold towards him. Representing a broader segment of Filipinos who view Duterte's imprisonment as politically driven and a betrayal of national sovereignty," said Adelle Geraldo, a Duterte volunteer leader from his birthplace in Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Based on the official canvass report on May 13, Duterte raked in 662,630 votes, far surpassing his rival, lawyer Karlo Nograles, with 80,852 votes.

"The ICC's case against Duterte's 'war on drugs' as a crime against humanity is vital for us, as it brought peace and security to our country," Geraldo told our website Philippines.

Duterte, under investigation for crime against humanity over his brutal drug war that claimed nearly 20,000 lives in the Catholic-majority nation, was arrested through the Interpol on March 11 amid fierce opposition from his supporters.

Geraldo appealed to the government and Duterte's critics to "put aside petty politics - what the country needs is a clear direction and real solutions."

Another Duterte volunteer campaign leader, Rico Cajife, declared Duterte's comeback win as Davao mayor "a testament to the people's unwavering love for Duterte and their belief in his unique brand of governance."

"I am pleading with the government to release President Rodrigo Duterte and bring him back to the Philippines to serve his country," Cajife said.

Duterte's legal counsel Nicholas Kaufman said "the electorate made clear their desire for Duterte's return to the Philippines and their rejection of the current government's attempts to eradicate his legacy."

"Our people need solutions to their problems, and as long as politicians exploit those needs for votes, issues will persist," said Carlos Conde, former journalist and now senior researcher at New York-based Human Rights Watch, in a UCA News report.

In a separate statement, Duterte's victory was acknowledged as a rejection of the current government's actions and a call for Duterte's return. However, the practicalities of his ability to serve as mayor are uncertain, given his ongoing detention and trial at the ICC.

This unprecedented situation, colloquially referred to as "work from Hague," suggests that Duterte's actual ability to govern Davao City is compromised, and his son, Sebastian Duterte, who won the vice mayoral race, is likely to take charge. (Ronald O. Reyes/our website Philippines)

P.S. Although detained in The Hague, Duterte remains the mayor of Davao City. However, due to his legal troubles and incarceration, he cannot physically perform his duties. Instead, his son, Sebastian Duterte, who won the vice mayoral race, will take on mayoral responsibilities, while other family members involved in city government will also play crucial roles. This unique predicament has been humorously called "work from Hague."

The ICC's case against Duterte's 'war on drugs' highlights the importance of politics in the Philippines, as it has potentially impacted national sovereignty and peace.
Adelle Geraldo, a Duterte volunteer leader, called for unity and serious discussions about the country's direction, over petty politics that might obstruct progress.
Geraldo also appealed to the government to prioritize Duterte's release and allow him to serve the Philippines, given his victory in the Davao City mayoral race.
The victory of Duterte in the Davao City mayoral race, despite his incarceration at The Hague, signifies the strong support he still enjoys from his constituents and might influence future politics in Cebu and other Philippine provinces.
The Philippines' general news landscape has been dominated by the ongoing trial of Duterte at the International Criminal Court, as well as discussions about crime and justice, war and conflicts, and elections, given their implications on the country's future direction.