Over 16.4K cops to secure Iglesia ni Cristo rally, says NCRPO

More than 16,400 police officers will be deployed to secure the three-day rally of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila from November 16 to 18, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, NCRPO public information office chief Police Major Hazel Asilo said a total of 16,433 personnel will be assigned to ensure public safety and maintain order throughout the religious event.

“Of which, 8,641 will come from the NCRPO, while 7,792 will be augmentation forces from other regional offices,” Asilo said.

Asilo added that the NCRPO is also preparing for possible gatherings of the United People’s Initiative (UPI) at the EDSA Shrine and People Power Monument in Quezon City during the same period.

She said more personnel have been designated to address possible lightning rallies in other key areas, including Mendiola Peace Arch and the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

To minimize traffic congestion during the INC rally, Asilo said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will coordinate with the NCRPO in implementing a traffic rerouting scheme and identifying designated parking areas around the Quirino Grandstand.

When asked if the NCRPO has made adjustments to its security plan amid claims of an alleged destabilization plot against the administration, Asilo said the final deployment numbers could still change.

“We will have our final coordination meeting this Friday, and the final deployment will depend on whatever announcements or information we receive,” she said.

“This figure—16,433 personnel—may either increase or decrease depending on the intelligence updates and assessments of the NCRPO,” she added.