PNP ‘apprised’ of INC rally plan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it had been “apprised” of a plan by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to mount a rally beforehand.

“We’ll assess all the actions of our commanders on the ground as well as our intelligence personnel,” PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co, speaking in mixed English and Filipino, said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

“We were apprised. Maybe not that it would take place earlier, but we were apprised of their plan,” he added.

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READ: PNP on full alert amid INC rallies

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The INC mounted rallies at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Tuesday morning supposedly in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case over an alleged campaign donation.

Sentiments from social media users reportedly alleged the PNP failed to respond to the rallies immediately, but Co refuted the claims.

“We respect the opinion of everyone, but maybe anyone who’d observe won’t say it was gentle,” he said.

He said that nearly 6,000 police officers were deployed to secure the People Power Monument immediately, the Liwasang Bonifacio, and other key areas in Metro Manila as soon as the rallyists began gathering early Tuesday morning.

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“Other than that, we always respect the right of the people to assemble peacefully. Our commanders on the ground are now negotiating with the groups organizing the protest action,” he added.

At least three people have been arrested at the INC rally near the People Power Monument after tensions escalated between the rallyists and the police.

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Some rallyists complained about the presence of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel with firearms at the protest.

Co defended their presence, saying, “The police officers who confronted the rallyists don’t have firearms for crowd control.”

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“The SWAT members are there because we need protection from other things that may happen, but they are there not to confront the rallyists.”/coa