Full alert up for INC protest

The Philippine National Police, Metro Manila traffic authorities and regional police units have gone on full alert ahead of the three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally beginning 16 November, with thousands of personnel deployed to secure the capital region and manage the expected influx of participants.

Acting PNP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said the full-alert status took effect at 5 p.m. on 14 November, mobilizing police nationwide. He said deployments began early Saturday, with full forces in place before the rally opens.

“With the expected influx of people, we have activated a comprehensive security plan that covers ground operations, traffic management, intelligence monitoring, emergency response and maritime patrols,” Nartatez said. “All teams are ready to move and respond as needed.”

He reiterated that police personnel will respect the public’s right to peaceful assembly but asked rallygoers to follow safety protocols, cooperate with officers and keep the event orderly.

Nartatez also said the public should expect heightened police visibility across Metro Manila and other major urban areas throughout the rally period.

Regional police units were likewise instructed to tighten security in their areas.

The National Capital Region Police Office is being reinforced by Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), which is deploying 2,272 personnel to assist in crowd control and security operations from 16 to 18 November.

PRO3’s contingent includes 1,138 officers forming Civil Disturbance Management units and support teams, and 1,139 personnel on standby, including female officers and the Regional Special Support Force.

The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3, with 416 personnel, will lead the deployment.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said his units are prepared to respond to any situation in Metro Manila.

Lawbreakers warned

He said they expect a peaceful assembly but warned that lawbreakers will be dealt with accordingly.

Alongside police preparations, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it is deploying 1,815 personnel to help manage the anticipated congestion around Quirino Grandstand, where the rally will be held.

Ambulances, rapid response vehicles and tow trucks will be on standby, MMDA officials said. The Manila city government will also field personnel for perimeter support.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s chief of staff, Cesar Chavez, said teams will monitor the area outside Rizal Park and deploy 14 ambulances. The city’s Department of Public Service will assist in managing ambulant vendors expected to gather outside rally grounds.

Traffic personnel from the Manila Police District will manage vehicle flow in surrounding streets for the duration of the event.

The INC earlier announced that its rally at Quirino Grandstand is intended to call for transparency and accountability in government, specifically in connection with allegedly anomalous flood-control projects said to involve trillions in public funds.

In a statement Friday, INC spokesperson Bro. Edwil Zabala said the three-day event aims to strengthen public calls for a proper and transparent investigation to identify those responsible and recover misused funds.

He said the group welcomes non-members to join the assembly.

Zabala said the rally is not intended to interfere in politics but to amplify public sentiment regarding corruption.

“The call of the Iglesia ni Cristo is part of the citizens’ right to express themselves, which is guaranteed by our Constitution,” he said.

The PNP said it will maintain maximum tolerance throughout the event but emphasized that violations of the law will be dealt with as necessary to keep the assembly peaceful.