Malacañang declares March 17 special holiday in Davao amid Duterte's arrest

Malacañang has officially declared March 17 as a special non-working holiday in Davao City to commemorate the 88th Araw ng Pasasalamat sa Dabaw, despite opposition from some residents.

The declaration was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on March 11, the same day former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague for trial at the International Criminal Court.

Local reactions were mixed, with many feeling that celebrating amid these events was inappropriate; blogger Joie de Vivre called it a mockery while others expressed disappointment over Duterte's arrest.

Supporters of Duterte continue to gather in Davao City and nationwide, holding prayer rallies and calling for his safe return from The Hague.

The 88th Araw ng Pasasalamat kicked off on March 1 at Rizal Park following a Holy Mass at San Pedro Cathedral, with events such as the Mutya ng Dabaw grand coronation scheduled for March 15 and Parada Dabawenyo on March 16.