Three-day Iglesia ni Cristo rally starts today
MANILA, Philippines — The so-called anti-corruption rally of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) church set at Quirino Grandstand in Manila is set to start on Sunday, November 16.
The rally’s program is expected at 4 p.m, and will run from November 16 to 18, Tuesday, organizers said.
Multiple media reports note that vehicles have been parked around the grandstand as early as 5 a.m, while crowds were seen wearing white.
The Philippine National Police said it will deploy at least 16,664 police officers for the rallies of the INC starting today until Tuesday.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also said a 228,000-strong police force went on full alert status on Friday, November 14, to ensure that all units are fully staffed, equipped and ready.
Prosecutors will also be on standby and ready to handle any complaints that might arise from possible disturbances during the three-day rally, according to Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon on November 13.
The INC said there is a call "for transparency, accountability, and justice” for the corruption in flood control projects.
'Not political'
INC Spokesperson Edwil Zabala on Saturday, November 14, maintained that the rally was not meant “to interfere with politics.”
“This November 16-18 rally is not to interfere in politics but to express our sentiment and lend the voice of the INC to the calls of many of our countrymen condemning the enormous evil involving many government officials,” he said in a statement.
Church gatherings have previously welcomed politicians on one side of the political fence, particularly those allied with Vice President Sara Duterte. The INC had also opposed the arrest of former president Rodrgo Duterte on grounds of crimes against humanity of murder in the course of the brutal war on drugs during his administration.
- Latest
- Trending
