Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that its alert status will remain unchanged as the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally shifts to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, following the revocation of their permit by the Quezon City government. The permit was withdrawn due to the severe inconvenience and traffic congestion caused by previous gatherings.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has instructed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to ensure adequate deployment in Quezon City and surrounding areas where gatherings might occur. Nartatez emphasized the importance of respecting the local government's decision and urged INC leaders to encourage their members to comply with the law.
"The PNP respects the local government's decision to revoke the rally permit, which was based on the need to restore public convenience and ensure the safety of our commuters," Nartatez stated on Thursday. He highlighted that without a permit, any assembly becomes a matter of public order and traffic management, and assured that the law would be enforced with firmness and fairness under the 'Bagong PNP' mandate.
Field commanders have been ordered to prioritize dialogue and negotiation before taking enforcement action, should the assembly proceed without a valid permit. Nartatez appealed to the organizers to vacate the rally site and help restore order and normalcy in the area.
Despite the revoked permit, police forces in Metro Manila and nearby regions remain on alert as protesters are expected to move to Liwasang Bonifacio. Nartatez assured that sufficient personnel would be deployed to secure the activity and protect the rights of motorists, commuters, and students potentially affected at the new rally site. He called on protesters to be considerate of others' rights, given the central location of Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
As of 2 p.m., the Liwasang Bonifacio rally continued with approximately 2,300 participants. A total of 3,784 PNP personnel, along with partner agencies, remain strategically deployed to support security, traffic management, and public safety operations. The PNP is committed to maintaining security operations, ensuring public safety, and facilitating the lawful exercise of the people's constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Nartatez instructed all deployed personnel to remain disciplined, impartial, and service-oriented during the event. "We continue to be vigilant to ensure everyone's safety. Our police officers are there not only to maintain order but also to ensure that legal activities are carried out properly while keeping the public safe. We will remain professional and ready to help the public," he affirmed.
