Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest has sparked protests from his supporters, including in front of the International Criminal Court in the Dutch city of The Hague where he faces crimes against humanity charges. But widely shared footage purportedly depicting a massive rally in The Netherlands is unrelated and shows an anti-corruption demonstration in Serbia.
“Godbless… solid supporter of Father Digs… IN Netherland (sic),” reads the Tagalog-language caption of a Facebook reel shared on March 13, 2025, referring to Duterte’s popular nickname among his supporters.
The video shows a huge crowd on a street with some carrying flags and placards. Superimposed text also says the video was taken in The Netherlands.
Pro-Duterte supporters have reshared the circulating video online, garnering more than three million views combined.
Keyword searches on TikTok found the audio heard in the clip corresponds to another post in November 2024 (archived link).
Duterte, the first ex-Asian head of state to face ICC charges, stands accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups said killed thousands.
He made his first virtual appearance before the ICC judges on March 13 after he was taken into custody by The Hague-based tribunal (archived link).
The judge has set a date of September 23 for the next stage of the process: a hearing to confirm the charges.
Duterte’s supporters flocked to The Hague-based court following his arrest but the circulating video is unrelated (archived link).
Read the full story on AFP Fact Check.