The Philippine National Police said Wednesday it is ready to secure the second day of the Iglesia ni Cristo rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencion Nartatez Jr. directed the National Capital Region Police Office and other concerned police units to fully implement security and traffic management measures for the gathering.
INC members first gathered at the People Power Monument on Tuesday morning to protest government corruption. The rally was initially held without a permit from the Quezon City government.
By Tuesday afternoon, the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety approved INC’s request to hold a rally in the area on Wednesday.
Under the permit, the group was allowed to hold the activity from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. along White Plains Avenue, with an expected crowd of up to 100,000 participants.
The permit also stated that no road closure would be implemented during the rally and required organizers and participants to maintain “cleanliness and orderliness” in the area at all times.
“We have directed all concerned units to implement the appropriate security and traffic management plans, maintain close coordination with the local government and rally organizers, and ensure the peaceful conduct of the assembly,” Nartatez said.
“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,” he added.
Nartatez called on rally organizers and participants to strictly follow the conditions of the permit, cooperate with law enforcement personnel, and help maintain peace, order, and cleanliness throughout the activity.
He also assured the public that the PNP has taken steps to minimize inconvenience, manage traffic, and ensure the safety of participants, motorists, and other affected individuals.
“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,” Nartatez said.