The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing for the upcoming nationwide peace rally to be initiated by the members of the religious sect, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), on 13 January.
In a press conference on Monday, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo said they are expecting INC members from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon to converge at Liwasang Bonifacio in Metro Manila.
“In other regions, there are areas that have been identified, like their Freedom Parks and other sports complexes. In terms of the final location and time, this will be a simultaneous nationwide peace rally of INC, and the PNP is ready to provide the necessary police assistance in their extensive activities,” she added.
Fajardo noted the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) has already convened a coordination meeting with INC officials on Monday afternoon.
The PNP maintains heightened alert status in preparation for upcoming major events in the country.
On 4 December, the INC announced the peace rally during a program on the sect's media outlet.
“Ang mga kapatid sa INC ay naghahanda na magsagawa ng rally upang ipahayag sa lahat ng kinauukulan na ang INC ay pabor sa opinyon ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na hindi sumang-ayon sa isinusulong ng ilang sektor na impeachment dahil maraming problema ang ating bansa na dapat unahin ng pamahalaan,” the television host read the INC statement, aired in a program on the INC's media outlet.
“Ang INC ay para sa kapayapaan. Ayaw natin sa anumang uri ng kaguluhan na manggagaling sa anumang panig,” it added.
In a Viber message to DAILY TRIBUNE, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said any INC member who wishes to join the event is welcome to participate.