PNP on full alert amid the surprise rally organized by member of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). Photo courtesy of Joan Bondoc/PNA.
The Philippine National Police will coordinate with the Iglesia ni Cristo ahead of its 112th founding anniversary on July 27, which will coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police officials would discuss the location and security requirements of the religious group’s thanksgiving activities.
He said authorities expected a large turnout, possibly reaching tens of thousands or more, making close coordination necessary.
The INC central office and one of the usual protest areas during the Sona are both located along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Nartatez said crowd control measures, traffic management plans, barriers and designated no-rally zones had already been prepared.
The PNP also set up zipper lanes to help manage the movement of vehicles and emergency units during the simultaneous events.
Security arrangements were also in place around the Batasang Pambansa, Malacañang, Liwasang Bonifacio, the US Embassy in Manila, the Senate in Pasay City and the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
The police force earlier announced that more than 20,000 personnel would be deployed for the President’s fifth Sona.
