Manila mayor urges INC rallyists to maintain orderliness

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso appealed to participants of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio on Thursday, July 2, to keep the activity orderly.

“To the believers of the Iglesia ni Cristo, we aim for everyone’s security and we warmly welcome you there at the Liwasang Bonifacio,” Moreno said on a livestream on his social media early Thursday morning.

“We ask, as the local government, similar to your previous major activities in the city, keep everything orderly and clean, which I do believe that you will do,” he added.

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READ: From Edsa to Liwasang Bonifacio: INC rally enters 3rd day

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Given this development, Moreno also announced on the livestream that all classes in all levels in both public and private schools in Manila were suspended on Thursday.

In an earlier post on its social media page, the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department said it was on red alert status with emergency personnel and equipment on standby for a swift response if needed.

Moreover, the Manila Public Information Office announced several roads in the city were closed starting 4 a.m. on Thursday, particularly road segments in the Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio and Ayala Bridge areas.

“In our own little way, we’re trying to help, augment and keep things in order,” Domagoso said.

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“The city government agencies have been coordinating since 9 p.m. yesterday for the orderliness, cleanliness and safety of everyone all over the City of Manila. Keep calm since, in our own little way, we’ll manage,” he added.

The INC rally began at the People Power Monument area in Quezon City on Tuesday, causing a disruption along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue during the morning rush hour.

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The first day of the protest-action was marred by tensions between rallyists and the police, who then arrested four individuals for allegedly injuring officers but later released them for further investigation.

The Quezon City government granted the INC a permit to hold a rally on Wednesday but then denied them a permit to continue on Thursday, citing reports of students and workers affected by the disruption.

Following this development, the INC said it was moving its program to the Liwasang Bonifacio, a freedom park which did not require a permit to be used for a public assembly.

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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