PNP chief urges INC rally organizers to comply with LGU permit

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged the organizers of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-led rally in Quezon City to comply with the permit granted to them by the local government.

“Our personnel have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance while remaining ready to enforce the law and protect the safety of participants and the general public,” Nartatez said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We ask the organizers and participants to strictly comply with the conditions of the permit, cooperate with law enforcement personnel, and help maintain peace, order, and cleanliness throughout the activity,” he added.

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READ: INC Edsa-White Plains rally enters 2nd day

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The INC mounted the rally early Tuesday morning in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case over a P75-million donation to him when he was a congressman before his 2025 senatorial bid.

However, the Tuesday rally did not have a permit and temporarily blocked all northbound lanes of the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) during the morning rush hour, according to the PNP.

Nonetheless, the INC secured a permit from the Quezon City Department of Public Safety and Order to conduct an assembly along White Plains Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 1.

Nartatez said he had directed all concerned units to implement the proper security and traffic plans as the rally entered its second day.

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“To the public, we assure you that the PNP is taking all necessary measures to minimize inconvenience, manage traffic, and ensure everyone’s safety,” Nartatez said.

“We appeal for patience and cooperation as we carry out our duty to facilitate both the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services,” he added. /das

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