INC To Hold Three-Day Rally In Rizal Park, People Power Monument

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) will hold a three-day rally in Rizal Park in Manila and at the People Power Monument in Quezon City from Nov. 16 to 18 to call for transparency and accountability in government.

A source confirmed to The Philippine STAR that executive director Cecille Lorenzana-Romero of the National Parks Development Committee, which manages Rizal Park, approved the INC’s request last Thursday, Oct. 30.

Cesar Chavez, chief of staff of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, said they would provide “perimeter support” for the INC rally.

“While we know that the INC is very organized whenever it holds a rally, the city government of Manila would be deploying teams to monitor and to provide assistance outside the Rizal Park,” Chavez said.

The local government would be placing 14 ambulance vehicles around the area.

Chavez said that while the INC has been known not to leave garbage behind after their rallies, the city government would still mobilize its Department of Public Service because there might be ambulant vendors outside the rally grounds.

The Manila Police District would also be providing security outside the perimeter area and traffic enforcers would man the flow of vehicles during the three-day event.

In a letter to the Quezon City government, the religious group also sought approval and logistical support for what it calls a “Peaceful Rally for Transparency.”

The church expects around 300,000 people to participate in the Quezon City rally daily.

“The activity will be a peaceful and orderly public assembly, intended to promote transparency and accountability in governance and society,” INC said.

The group assured the city that the activity will remain compliant with all regulations.

INC said it is willing to meet with city officials to finalize preparations for the event.