POLICE TIGHTEN SECURITY AS INC PROTEST DRAWS THOUSANDS TO EDSA

Around 4,000 members and supporters of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) had gathered at the People Power Monument along EDSA by 11 a.m. Wednesday as the religious group’s protest calling for greater government transparency entered its second day.

Authorities expect attendance to swell significantly before the gathering concludes at 8 p.m., with organizers projecting the crowd could reach as many as 100,000 participants.

To ensure public safety and maintain order, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) deployed about 7,000 personnel across Metro Manila. 

Of the total force, nearly 3,000 officers were assigned to the rally site, while the rest were stationed in key government areas, including Malacañang and the Office of the Ombudsman.

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said Wednesday’s assembly has been more organized than Tuesday’s demonstration after organizers secured the necessary permit from local authorities.

According to Aberin, the issuance of the permit allowed police to strictly enforce the conditions governing the assembly, including maintaining discipline, proper waste disposal, and orderly parking arrangements.

He noted that Tuesday’s protest proceeded without a permit, prompting police to exercise maximum tolerance instead of dispersing the crowd to prevent possible clashes and injuries.

The first day of the protest caused widespread traffic congestion after thousands of demonstrators converged on EDSA before dawn, catching motorists, commuters and even law enforcement by surprise. The influx of participants and vehicles led to severe traffic disruptions that lasted throughout the day.

Aberin also dismissed claims that the police suffered an intelligence lapse.

He said authorities had monitored plans for a possible mass gathering and had already deployed personnel in anticipation, although they were unable to determine the exact date and did not expect such a large turnout as early as 3 a.m.

With the second day of the protest remaining peaceful, Aberin said police do not expect any arrests, adding that authorities are prepared to sustain security operations should the demonstrations continue for an extended period.

As of Wednesday noon, the NCRPO reported no untoward incidents related to the ongoing protest.