Marcos 'confident' INC rally will stay peaceful, but wary of planned unrest

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he is “confident” that members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) will not cause trouble during their ongoing rally.

At the same time, he also expressed concern over reports of planned agitation or infiltration in other areas.

The remark came as the religious group held the second day of its rally at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City and at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to condemn what it called “selective justice” and the “distortion of the law” in government.

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READ: Marcos on INC’s selective justice line on Marcoleta: I believe they’re wrong

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The group also expressed support for fellow INC member Sen. Rodante Marcoleta in connection with his looming non-bailable plunder case.

“Well, you know, anyone can hold a rally. And so, they held a rally. And I am confident because throughout history, the Iglesia, when they hold rallies—even if the crowd is very large—does not cause trouble,” Marcos responded when asked how concerned he is with the group’s demonstration.

“And that was my main concern—that somebody might get hurt. Our only concern was that there was information that, of course, some people might infiltrate and agitate. That is what we were worried about,” he continued.

Reports circulating online warned of alleged protest movements toward Malacañang, Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.

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For Marcos, the primary concern is ensuring that nobody gets hurt, whether from the INC or from individuals who may attempt to cause unrest

“Ang pinaka-importante sa amin, walang masaktan. Either tiga-iglesia o kung sino man na mapunta roon na mangulo,” he said.

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(The most important thing for us is that no one gets hurt—whether they are from the Iglesia or anyone who goes there to cause trouble.)

“So let’s just keep everything stable and peaceful. And so far, it has been. I thank everyone involved for keeping it safe for everybody,” the president added.

READ: PH, Canada to sign deals on energy, trade, others during Marcos’ visit

Marcos made the statement before departing for a four-day official visit to Vancouver, Canada.

He designated Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino as caretakers of the government during his absence. /apl

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