3-day INC rally peaceful despite ‘minor incidents’ on 1st day

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally remained peaceful despite “minor incidents” on its first day.

“Throughout the three-day event, the PNP remained committed to maintaining public safety while upholding the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble,” the law enforcement agency maintained in a statement on Thursday.

“While minor incidents were recorded during the first day of the activity and were promptly addressed in accordance with existing laws and established operational procedures, the second and third days of the public assembly were generally peaceful and orderly,” it noted.

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READ: Manila mayor urges INC rallyists to maintain orderliness

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The three-day rally ended on Thursday night.

The INC staged the rally in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case for a P75-million donation to him when he was still a member of the House of Representatives.

The unscheduled rally began near the People Power Monument in Quezon City early Tuesday morning, disrupting traffic along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue; and leading to a physical altercation between protesters and the police.

The demonstration continued on Wednesday, now with a permit secured from the Quezon City government the previous night. But the revocation of its permit to continue the rally for a third day (Thursday)  prompted the organizers to move the event to the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

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“The cooperation and discipline demonstrated by the organizers and participants, together with the professionalism of police personnel, augmentation forces, and partner agencies, contributed to the successful conclusion of the public assembly,” the PNP explained.

“The Philippine National Police remains committed to carrying out its mandate with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law while safeguarding public safety and protecting the constitutional rights of all,” it added. /cb

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