VP Sara Duterte prays for father’s safe return to PH during her visit to Zamboanga shrine

Vice President Sara Duterte offered prayers for the safe return of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, during a recent visit to the historic Fort Pilar Shrine in Zamboanga City.

In a Facebook post, Duterte shared that she visited the revered pilgrimage site—dedicated to Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar—to light candles and express gratitude for her personal blessings.

“Taimtim din nating ipinagdasal ang kaayusan at kapayapaan ng ating bansa, gayundin ang ligtas na pag-uwi ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa ating bayan,” she wrote.

(We also prayed devoutly for order and peace in our country, as well as the safe return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to our nation.)

The former president has been in custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, since March 2025, facing charges of crimes against humanity connected to his administration's anti-drug operations.

Duterte noted that her trip to Zamboanga City was prompted by an invitation from Junior Chamber International (JCI) for its annual gathering, as well as to show support for the city’s Hermosa Festival celebrations.

Reflecting on her return to the region, she called on Filipinos to remain united in patriotism: “Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas—para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino.” (Let us love the Philippines—for God, for the Nation, and for every Filipino Family.)

-Paraluman News