Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has suspended its afternoon operations at its main office in Manila due to the anticipated traffic in the area brought by the ongoing rally at Liwasang Bonifacio. 'In view of the ongoing rally at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila the anticipated heavy traffic congestion that may significantly affect accessibility to and from the City of Manila, office operations will be suspended today, 02 July effective 4:00 p.m. onwards,' the BI said in a social media post.

According to Philippines News Agency, this measure is being implemented to ensure the safety and welfare of all officials and employees, by allowing them sufficient time to travel before road conditions are significantly affected by the expected traffic congestion. Liwasang Bonifacio is an officially designated freedom park in the city where public assemblies, protests, and rallies may be held without having to secure a permit from the local government unit.

Meanwhile, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) on Thursday announced that it is now on "red alert" status. This is in the wake of reports that since the Quezon City government took back the permit it gave to Iglesia ni Cristo protesters, they will now hold their mass action at Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Manila.

MDRRMO head Arnel Angeles said the red alert status means that all its offices are on full standby. These include the Emergency Medical Services personnel, operations team, and their equipment, which may be needed. Angeles said portalets will also be installed or deployed in the area for the use of the protesters.