PNP says to sustain deployment as INC rally moves to Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will sustain its security deployment as the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-led rally moved to the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday, July 2.

“The PNP respects every Filipino’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly while remaining steadfast in its duty to uphold the rule of law and protect public order,” the national police maintained in a statement late Wednesday night.

“As the activity shifts to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, the PNP will sustain its security deployment and continue close coordination with the concerned local government units and partner agencies to ensure its peaceful and orderly conduct,” it stressed.

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READ: INC says it will move main protest to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila

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The INC-led rally began early Tuesday morning at the area of the People Power Monument in Quezon City, apparently catching law enforcement off-guard and prompting the PNP to raise a full alert status over all its units.

The Tuesday rally was marred by tensions between rallyists and the police as some protesters allegedly moved to block Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and injured officers.

Despite the disruption and the resulting tension with law enforcement, the Quezon City government allowed the INC to mount the rally on Wednesday but then denied them the permit on Thursday, citing reports of students and workers affected by the protest-action.

The religious sect transferred to the Liwasang Bonifacio, a freedom park where public assemblies are free to be conducted without a local government permit, to continue with the third day of their protest on Thursday.

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“Throughout the activity, the PNP exercised maximum tolerance while ensuring public safety, maintaining peace and order and facilitating the orderly flow of traffic in coordination with concerned government agencies,” the law enforcement agency maintained.

“Police personnel remained on the ground to assist commuters, manage traffic, and ensure the safe and orderly dispersal of participants,” it added.

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The INC’s action aimed to reiterate calls for accountability over government corruption and rally support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case in connection with a P75-million donation to him when he was a congressman before his 2025 senatorial bid. /das

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