At dusk on a beach in Hong Kong, about a dozen Filipino migrant workers turned on their phone flashlights and placed them around a picture of a clenched fist — a symbol of support for Rodrigo Duterte.
They closed their eyes and bowed their heads as they prayed for the former president of the Philippines, who is currently on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on allegations of crimes against humanity in connection with his anti-drug campaign.
"Please wake up the hearts of President Marcos and the judges at the ICC," said one of them at a gathering held on Sunday at the beach.
"Whatever he has to answer for, we don't forget the victims — but we will bring him home."
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According to the ICC, it is possible that thousands of people have been killed in Duterte's anti-drug campaign — a campaign that is said to be part of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians.
But despite this, many still support him.
It was just over a week ago that Duterte visited Hong Kong, where he was greeted by fans at a 2,000-seat stadium and on the streets outside it.
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Duterte's sudden arrest upon his return to Manila shocked many Filipinos around the world, including the more than 200,000 domestic workers in Hong Kong.
Not all of his supporters defended his achievements.
But many disagreed with the manner in which he was brought to The Hague — which some believe is connected to the feud between the Duterte and Marcos families.
"I'm so angry," said Mary Grace Dolores, 43, who was in Central, a popular spot in Hong Kong for domestic workers on their day off, on Sunday.
"He should have been tried in the Philippines first, where he was arrested," Dolores added as fellow Filipinos took photos in front of a pro-Duterte banner.
