PNP gears up for 3-day INC rally

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is gearing up security for the upcoming three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) religious rally set for 16 to 18 November at Rizal Park in Manila.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public Wednesday that full security coverage is being prepared, with initial intelligence estimates suggesting around 300,000 participants may attend over the three days.

The venue was recently moved to Rizal Park from the original site at the EDSA People Power Monument following a request submitted by the religious group on 30 October, which the National Parks Development Committee subsequently approved.

PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño announced during a briefing at Camp Crame that security preparations are already underway. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has initially committed 9,829 personnel for deployment, a number that may increase following coordination meetings with Manila city authorities.

The NCRPO’s deployment will include civil disturbance management teams, traffic enforcement units, K9 squads, medical support, and quick reaction forces on standby. The PNP will raise its alert status to full for the NCRPO during the event to maximize personnel availability and rapid response capability.

“We welcome this large-scale religious gathering, and we are one with the organizers in ensuring that it becomes a peaceful and meaningful event,” Nartatez said. “Our police officers will be there not to interfere, but to protect, to make sure that everyone who comes in faith also goes home safe.”

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the local government of Manila also pledged support outside the park, including the deployment of 14 ambulances and personnel from the Department of Public Services.

The PNP also addressed a cyber threat warning ahead of the rally. The Department of Information and Communications Technology reported the possibility of “traffic flooding” due to Distributed Denial of Service attacks.

Tuaño clarified that while personal data and verified updates will not be compromised, some apps and online services may experience slowdowns.