More than 1.5 million members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, on Monday for a peace rally organized by the religious group. The event, dubbed the National Rally of Peace, aimed to promote unity and express support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance against Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.
A Massive Turnout
The Manila Police District (MPD) reported that INC members from Cavite, Quezon, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales began arriving early in the day. By 10 a.m., Police Colonel Emil Tumibay, MPD Deputy Director for Operations, estimated the crowd at 1.5 million.
“Sa ngayon po, maayos na maayos ang latag namin ng security at makikita po natin sa kasalukuyan na nagkakaroon sila ng programa dito sa Quirino Grandstand,” Tumibay said, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the gathering.
Preparations for the rally began over the weekend, with the deployment of police and K-9 units and the installation of portable toilets at the venue.
Support for Marcos and Duterte
The rally followed the INC’s announcement of their intent to support President Marcos’ stance against Duterte’s impeachment. The Vice President currently faces three impeachment complaints over allegations of misuse of public funds, which she denies.
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala explained the group’s position:
“There are many more things which our citizens need that must be attended to. These will not be achieved if all we see taking place is conflict. Perhaps our countrymen who also desire peace and want our leaders to take care of the needs of our nation will not contradict the opinion given by President Marcos Jr.”
A Call for Unity
INC members at the rally expressed their hopes for peace and unity amidst political tensions. Vanessa Abela and Suzete Sibulo from Lucena, Quezon, criticized the chaos in the government, saying, “Nagkakagulo talaga. ‘Yung mga tao sa Kongreso, sa Senado, magulo sila. Gusto nilang paguluhin ang bansa.”
Sixteen-year-olds Ivan and Benedick from Bulacan warned of the potential for civil unrest should Duterte be impeached. “Sana po hindi… ‘Wag niyang payagan na ma-impeach si Sara para hindi masyadong magkagulo ang bansa natin,” Benedick said.
Other participants, like 66-year-old Emma Flores from Valenzuela, echoed similar sentiments. “[Nandito kami] para sa pagkakaisa, sa pinaglalaban namin… ‘yung rally for peace, [na] magkaisa. Siyempre ayaw natin na magulo.”
Roy, a wheelchair-bound participant from Paniqui, Tarlac, emphasized his support for Marcos’ decision. “Nandito kami para po peace… Ayaw namin ng impeachment. Sinusuportahan namin ‘yung desisyon ng Pangulong Bongbong.”
Nationwide Rally
The National Rally of Peace was held simultaneously in 13 locations nationwide, with around one million expected participants. In response, the Philippine National Police committed to ensuring the safety and rights of the rally participants while maintaining peace and order.
In anticipation of the event, Malacañang suspended government work and classes in Pasay and Makati. Several other local government units also announced class and work suspensions.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin underscored the importance of the rally in fostering dialogue and consensus. “We view today’s assemblies as part of the national conversation we should be having as a people to bring clarity and consensus on issues that face us all and affect our future,” he stated.
The rally’s program, running from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., emphasized unity and the collective pursuit of peace amid political challenges.