Iglesia Ni Cristo members walk along Roxas Boulevard in Manila for the National Rally for Peace in this Jan. 13, 2025 photo. The religious group will hold a similar gathering on Nov. 16 to 18 dubbed “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy.” (PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)
The Philippine National Police will enforce maximum tolerance and heightened discipline among its forces during next week’s three-day simultaneous prayer rallies in the National Capital Region, acting PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Thursday.
Nartatez announced that he has instructed the NCR Police Office to maintain professionalism and restraint as large crowds gather at multiple sites across Metro Manila. A total of 16,433 police officers and support units will be deployed to secure Rizal Park in Manila, where the Iglesia Ni Cristo will stage its Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy, and the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, where the United People’s Initiative group will hold its own event from November 16 to 18.
The PNP will also deploy teams to locations where lightning rallies are anticipated. Additional reinforcements include 1,400 police officers stationed at Ayala Bridge and 1,100 at Recto Avenue—areas that saw violent clashes during the September 21 anti-corruption protest.
“Our goal is to keep the activity peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone, both participants and the general public,” Nartatez said, adding that the security plan includes real-time ground monitoring and rapid adjustments when needed.