Entertainment host and talent manager Ogie Diaz has called on supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte to focus on prayers rather than engaging in online attacks against celebrities, amid the former leader’s detention in The Hague, Netherlands.
Duterte is currently facing crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Through an Instagram Stories post on Thursday, March 13, Diaz revealed that he prayed for Duterte’s safety and well-being, urging the former president’s supporters to do the same instead of spreading hostility on social media.
“Nagsimba ako. Ipinagdasal ko na sana ay safe at nasa mabuting kalagayan ang dating pangulo sa Netherlands.”
He encouraged Duterte’s followers to channel their energy into prayer vigils rather than using social media to attack individuals unrelated to the legal case against the former president.
“Sana, ‘yun din ang unang-unang ginagawa ng karamihan ng supporters ng dating pangulo kesa makipag-away sa socmed. Prayer vigil dapat.”
Diaz also came to the defense of fellow celebrities Kim Chiu and Vhong Navarro, who have recently been criticized online after some netizens misinterpreted their spiels on ‘It’s Showtime’ as indirect comments on Duterte’s arrest.
“Walang mangyayari kung inaatake n’yo ang mga katulad nina Vhong Navarro at Kim Chiu na wala namang masamang ginagawa sa inyo.”
“Nagbabasa lang naman sila ng spiels sa ‘It’s Showtime’ pero ang dating sa inyo, pinariringgan kayo.”
Diaz urged restraint, emphasizing that prayer—not baseless accusations—should be the focus at this time.
“Dasal po ang kailangan para sa dating pangulo, hindi tamang hinala.”
Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 and transferred to The Hague on March 12. He was detained at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen, where he faced his first pre-trial hearing on March 14 for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs.
The former president’s arrest and ongoing legal battle have fueled strong reactions from his supporters and critics alike.
