Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members gathered at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City on Tuesday morning to protest corruption in government, drawing a crowd estimated at 9,000 as of 8:30 a.m.
The National Capital Region Police Office said some 900 policemen were deployed to secure the rally.
Tension erupted after police asked INC members to remove buses they had parked in the middle of EDSA.
A policeman was hurt during the pushing and shoving.
Several occupants were apprehended, according to NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, who rushed to the area to supervise police efforts to keep the situation peaceful.
The PNP Public Information Office said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was monitoring the event from the PNP Command Center at Camp Crame.
“The PNP remains on full alert and continues to coordinate with concerned units to ensure peace, order, and the safety of the public,” the PIO said.
It said Nartatez was “closely monitoring the situation…as police units remain on the ground along EDSA following reports of an alleged emergency rally by a religious organization.”
The PIO said Nartatez was receiving real-time updates from field commanders.
It added that Nartatez “continues to oversee police operations to ensure public safety, maintain the orderly flow of traffic, and keep the situation peaceful while respecting the rights of those involved.”