Supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have staged protests across the nation following his arrest and transportation to the International Criminal Court.



Duterte is suspected of being responsible for multiple killings amounting to a crime against humanity during his deadly crackdown on illegal drugs. His pretrial hearing began on Friday at the court.



On Saturday, more than 1,000 people gathered for a rally held by his party and others in Manila in support of the former president.



The protesters demanded the government bring Duterte home, saying his arrest and transportation are unjust. They said his crackdown contributed to the improvement of security in the Philippines.



A woman participating in the rally with her husband said, "what is happening right now is really too much." She criticized the ICC's move as political oppression, abuse of power, lawlessness and lack of judicial process.



Organizers of the protest say rallies were held at 18 locations across the country. Police special forces were seen near the venue in Manila, indicating that the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on the alert.