Video clips of Catholic devotees during processions in Quiapo and Cebu City last January are making rounds on social media and being passed off as protest marches in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
On March 11, copies of a 35-second video showing two clips comparing the supposed protests in the two areas started to circulate. The video carried the text:
“Para ky (sic) Tatay Degon (For Father Digong). Quiapo versus Cebu.”
Several netizens in the posts’ comment sections praised the supposed supporters while others speculated that the video was false.
These clips were given false context. Both show devotees during religious processions in Quiapo and Cebu City last January.
FB page The Cebuano Drifter v2 first uploaded the video collage comparing the devotees in separate events last January 9. These marches were not political or done in support of Duterte.
The upper video was uploaded by ABS-CBN News’ official FB page. It showed policemen trying to stop devotees from crossing Ayala Bridge to join the procession of the Black Nazarene on its way to Quiapo Church.
The lower clip was taken from DYLA Cebu Newsbreak’s FB page. It shows Catholic faithfuls during the Penitential Walk with Jesus from Fuente Osmeña to Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu City.
The video with the false context started circulating the same day Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities with a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) coursed through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Duterte is now in The Hague awaiting the confirmation of charges hearing set to begin on Sept. 23. He made his first appearance before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber last Friday for alleged crimes against humanity in his bloody war against illegal drugs.
VERA Files has debunked various disinformation posts about the former president’s arrest and ICC case.
Copies of the reels uploaded by four FB users collectively garnered 37,735 reactions, 3,794 comments, 9,746 shares and 2,414,700 views. Other netizens are also circulating screenshots of the false video.
