More than one million members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) assembled at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, on Monday for a peace rally organized by the religious group, GMA News reported.
As of 10 a.m., the Manila Police District (MPD) estimated that at least 1.5 million attendees, including members from Cavite, Quezon, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales, had arrived for the event dubbed the “National Rally of Peace.”
Police Colonel Emil Tumibay, MPD Deputy Director for Operations, assured that security measures were in place and the program was proceeding smoothly. “We currently estimate 1.5 million attendees, and the number is still growing as more people arrive,” he said.
The rally, announced earlier this month, aims to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints over alleged misuse of public funds, which she has denied.
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala emphasized the group’s call for peace and unity under the leadership of Marcos and Duterte. Participants echoed this sentiment, expressing concerns over political discord in the country.
The Philippine National Police and local authorities prepared extensively for the gathering, deploying personnel, K-9 units, and portable facilities to ensure order and safety. Malacañang also announced work and class suspensions in Pasay and Makati to accommodate the event.
Similar rallies were held in 13 other locations nationwide, with a total attendance expected to reach over a million. The program was scheduled to run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
