By: Jetaime Kaina Cerbito
1.4 estimated crowd in attendance at the Quirino Grandstand for INC’s National Rally for Peace. Photo courtesy: Manila DRRM Office
A nationwide peace rally organized by Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) commenced on Monday, Jan. 13 at the Quirino Grandstand with more than 1.4 million in attendance as of 2 p.m., according to Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO).
In a statement issued on Dec. 4, 2024, INC announced that the peace rally aims to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The rally is set to be held on 12 more locations nationwide, including Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Albay, Palawan, Cebu, Bacolod, Ormoc, Iloilo, Davao, Butuan, Pagadian, and Cagayan de Oro.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized peaceful assembly is a fundamental right protected by the 1987 Constitution and upheld by the Marcos administration.
“We view today’s assemblies as part of the national conversation we should be having as a people to bring clarity and consensus on issues that face us all and affect our future,” Bersamin said.
Senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald dela Rosa confirmed their attendance at the INC rally in a Jan. 12 statement, emphasizing the event's significance in promoting unity and dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia urged politicians against premature campaigning at the rally.
“Sana igalang natin, it is a highly religious event. Ito po ay isang pagsasama-sama para pananampalataya at pagkakaisa ng sambayanan. Tayo po ay susumusuporta sa adhikain ng mga kapatid natin sa Iglesia," Garcia stated.
"Kaya lang po sana yung ilang pulitiko, lalo yung mga hindi naman imbitado o hindi naman po nasabihan na sila ay dapat makapunta doon, sana huwag naman po magsamantala sapagkat hindi magiging maganda ang tingin ng lahat sa mga umaabuso na ganyan. Huwag na lang tayo magpaka-epalitiko,” he added.
To manage the crowd, approximately 5,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and 1,200 from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were deployed.
In light of the rally, Malacañang suspended classes and work on government offices on Jan. 13 in Manila and Pasay.