Dispersing INC rally would have caused greater chaos – NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — Dispersing the surprise protest by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Quezon City would have caused even greater chaos, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Tuesday.

NCRPO chief PMGen. Anthony Aberin made the statement as he brushed off allegations of special treatment, particularly claims that authorities allowed the INC to continue its protest despite lacking a permit, while other groups, especially progressive organizations—are strictly required to comply with the “no permit, no protest” policy.

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“If you can remember, earlier we made arrests and chased after some individuals. We did not allow them to block the road.” Aberin said on the sidelines of the INC’s surprise protest gathering along White Plains Avenue near the EDSA People Power Monument.

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“If we’re going to disperse that number, I believe it would only lead to greater chaos,” he added.

Aberin then stated that it remains unclear when the INC’s gathering will end.

However, the rally mounted by the religious group has secured a permit to hold rally on Wednesday, July 1, from the Quezon City government.

According to Aberin, the specifics of the permit—including how long the rally will last—will depend on negotiations between the INC and the government of Quezon City.

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READ: INC rally gets permit from Quezon City government

Aberin then maintained that the NCRPO will observe maximum tolerance to protesters, as ordered by the Philippine National Police.The INC held the sudden rally in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is set to be charged with a non-bailable case of plunder in the Sandiganbayan this week.Some notable personalities attended the gathering, including former lawmaker Mike Defensor, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano./dp

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