The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it was caught off guard by the surprise protest staged by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the EDSA People Power Monument on Tuesday, citing the lack of prior notice and permit for the gathering.
QCPD spokesperson Police Maj. Hazel Asilo said police had no advance information that a large crowd would assemble in the area.
“We were caught by surprise because we had no prior knowledge that they would hold a gathering of this scale, which is why we were unable to make the necessary preparations. Since they did not have a permit, we had not made any preparations for their assembly,” Asilo said.
Despite the absence of a permit, Asilo said the protest was allowed to continue in line with a directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), citing the participants’ constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express their views.
Asked about allegations of double standards, since other groups are usually required to secure rally permits, Asilo said police would have dispersed the crowd only if the gathering had become disorderly.
“Our only agreement was that they would conduct themselves in an orderly manner. We had no issue with them assembling as long as peace and order were maintained,” she said.
Asilo confirmed that four individuals were arrested during the protest. They included a bus driver who allegedly struck a police officer with his vehicle, a protester accused of punching an officer, and two others arrested for alleged unruly behavior.
Three police officers were also injured. Two were hurt after allegedly being hit by the bus and assaulted by a protester, while another suffered from severe exhaustion.
The QCPD is still verifying whether the four arrested individuals are INC members.
Despite the incidents, Asilo said the situation remained “generally peaceful,” with no other major untoward incidents reported.
The surprise rally was organized by the INC to express support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is expected to face a non-bailable plunder case before the Sandiganbayan later this week.
An estimated 10,000 protesters gathered along White Plains Avenue and near the EDSA People Power Monument, calling for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace.
The large turnout caused heavy traffic congestion, particularly along the White Plains section of EDSA.
Participants also expressed solidarity with Marcoleta, saying they wanted to show support for the senator as he faces legal proceedings.