Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno. Photo courtesy of PNA.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno appealed to Iglesia ni Cristo members holding a rally at Liwasang Bonifacio on Thursday to keep the gathering peaceful, orderly, and clean.
Moreno said in a livestream early Thursday that the city government welcomed INC members to the freedom park and was focused on ensuring everyone’s safety.
He urged participants to maintain order and cleanliness, citing the group’s previous large activities in Manila.
Moreno also announced the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools in Manila due to the rally.
The Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department was placed on red alert, with emergency personnel and equipment on standby.
Several roads in the city were closed starting 4 a.m., including portions near Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Ayala Bridge.
Moreno said city agencies had been coordinating since Wednesday night to help manage traffic, safety, cleanliness, and order during the gathering.
The INC rally began Tuesday at the People Power Monument in Quezon City before shifting to Manila after the Quezon City government denied a permit extension. The protest sought to press calls for accountability over corruption and express support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case over an alleged Php 75 million donation before his 2025 Senate run.