QC grants permit for 'EDSA Jericho Gathering' on 23 February

The Quezon City government on Tuesday granted a permit for the holding of a peaceful EDSA Jericho Gathering at the People Power Monument for a symbolic celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution and prayers for divine intervention against political and economic challenges in the country today.

Benito Ranque, convenor of the mass gathering, told the DAILY TRIBUNE that the Quezon City Public Safety Office has given the go signal for the rally on Sunday, 23 February.

“We have invited religious and civic groups to join us in the symbolic reenactment of the EDSA Revolution,” he said.

The gathering was originally planned as the Jericho March, which is referred to as a prayer walk by a group or congregation. The purpose is to pray for or against something and ask God to intercede, protect, or bring about change.

For instance, many Jericho Marches have been held throughout the United States against abortion or gang activity in struggling neighborhoods.

Other Jericho Marches have taken place to ask for God’s protection over leaders and cities or for revival to come. Some have been held around church buildings, seeking protection, blessings, or deliverance from worldly influences that impact the youth. It is a test of faith and obedience, trusting in God’s power to move, patterned after the biblical march on Jericho led by Joshua.

Ranque, however, clarified that this is consistent with Vice President Sara Duterte’s "No street rally" call, allowing volunteers to focus on their daily work despite the impeachment case filed by the House of Representatives in the Senate.

He said that while the Mayor Sara Duterte Alliance (MASADA) network has been reactivated across the country, volunteers were advised to concentrate on social media efforts and continue their daily tasks to cope with the economic situation, particularly at the grassroots level.

‘God Save the Philippines’ message sending mixed signals to Sara supporters

The "God Save the Philippines" response from Vice President Sara Duterte is sending mixed signals to her supporters. Some interpret it as a call to arms for the police and military, while others see it as a directive to avoid street protests and focus on social media interactions and prayers for divine intervention.

A source from the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) compared Duterte’s response to the failed "God Save the Queen" coup plot by then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and the Reform the Armed Forces of the Philippines (RAM) to overthrow former President Corazon Aquino.

The plot  was uncovered and led to the ouster of Enrile as defense secretary.

"For the MNLF, 'God Save the Philippines' is a call to arms," a source who requested anonymity told the DAILY TRIBUNE.

However, the lead convenor of the reactivated MASADA downplayed the idea of a call to arms, saying the vice president’s response was merely a call for national prayer and unity amid the country's political and economic challenges.

“Vice President Sara has publicly announced  that she is against any mass action or street rallies so that her supporters—who are mostly breadwinners—can concentrate on their daily  work,".

He reiterated that while the MASADA network has been reactivated nationwide, volunteers have been advised to prioritize social media efforts and continue with their daily responsibilities, particularly at the grassroots level.

“No street rallies for the moment, but we will remain vigilant,” Ranque added.

He said VP Sara has thanked MASADA for its continued support of her advocacy.