MANILA, Philippines – A ranking Quezon City government official revealed on Wednesday that the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has requested for a permit for its supposed third "transparency and accountability" rally along EDSA and People Power Monument (PPM) in Quezon City.
Elmo San Diego, the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) chief, told The Manila Times via Viber interview that the religious sect has requested for the extension, the approval of which will depend on the daily assessment of the city’s Law and Order Cluster.
San Diego said the permit granted the INC today also covered the Tuesday's protest.
the retired police general and former Quezon City Police District director.
According to the permit it issued for its second day rally, the INC members were ordered to strictly follow all the conditions set by the local government or its organizers would face legal action.
“This clearance may be revoked or cancelled in case of emergency or when the public interest so demands, as a result of non-compliance with any of the conditions stated,” the permit read.
San Diego said the INC rallyists could only conduct their mass gathering along White Plains Avenue – Temple Drive, Quezon City from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The INC said that its EDSA rally was to call for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace following the announcement made by the Office of the Ombudsman that it was set to file a non-bailable plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, a sect member, before the Sandiganbayan.
Earlier on Wednesday, Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), and other concerned units to fully implement the approved security and traffic management plans following the issuance of a rally permit by the Quezon City government.
“We have directed all concerned units to implement the appropriate security and traffic management plans, maintain close coordination with the local government and rally organizers, and ensure the peaceful conduct of the assembly,” Nartatez said, Over 14,000 people have gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument and nearby areas during its first day paralyzing traffic along the major thoroughfare, affecting thousands of people, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself who canceled his own schedule to monitor the rally.
Nartatez called on organizers and participants to observe the conditions of the permit and cooperate with authorities to ensure the activity proceeds peacefully.
“We ask the organizers and participants to strictly comply with the conditions of the permit, cooperate with law enforcement personnel, and help maintain peace, order, and cleanliness throughout the activity,” he said.
He also assured the public that measures were in place to reduce inconvenience and maintain the flow of traffic in affected areas.
“To the public, we assure you that the PNP is taking all necessary measures to minimize inconvenience, manage traffic, and ensure everyone's safety,” Nartatez said.
