CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Vice President Sara Duterte made surprise visits to churches in Calbayog City over the weekend, according to the Urosa Calbayog Tatay Digong Movement (UCTDM), a group supporting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte first stopped by the Most Holy Trinity Parish Church shortly after arriving by plane on Saturday. Francis Ralf Aquino Merencillo of UCTDM said the visit caught them off guard.
“We were surprised at Duterte’s visit and only found out about it through social media,” he shared.
Members of the group later met with the vice president, who also visited the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral and other churches outside Calbayog.
The UCTDM was formed in support of former President Duterte, who is currently detained in the Netherlands facing crimes against humanity charges over killings during his administration’s war on drugs. At least 7,000 people were killed in official operations.
Vice President Duterte is also facing her own legal battles, including an impeachment trial at the Senate over alleged misuse of confidential funds and supposed threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. She has denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated ahead of the 2025 midterm and 2028 presidential elections.