MANILA (June 30) – Around 900 police officers were deployed to the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City on Tuesday following a surprise rally by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo.
The Philippine National Police said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and his command group closely monitored the situation, receiving real-time updates from field commanders to ensure public safety, maintain the orderly flow of traffic, and keep the gathering peaceful while respecting the rights of those involved.
According to Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office, the crowd reached an estimated 8,000 participants. Based on police dialogue with organizers, all attendees were identified as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo.
The assembly caused heavy traffic congestion, particularly along the northbound lanes of EDSA and the White Plains area, after protesters occupied portions of the roadway. Police immediately deployed additional personnel as more participants arrived.
Aberin said the organizers agreed to requests from authorities to keep portions of the road open to allow vehicles to pass. Although the gathering had no permit and police protocol generally calls for dispersal of unauthorized assemblies, he said authorities chose to exercise maximum tolerance to avoid possible confrontation due to the size of the crowd.
“We will be observing maximum tolerance and continue asking them to keep the roads clear for traffic,” Aberin said, adding that police would remain on-site for as long as the protesters stayed.
Authorities have advised motorists to take alternate routes to avoid traffic delays along EDSA.
The purpose of the rally was not immediately disclosed by organizers. However, speculation on social media linked the gathering to the Office of the Ombudsman’s announcement that it may file a plunder case against Rodante Marcoleta. Marcoleta is under investigation over his alleged admission that he received ₱75 million in campaign donations that were reportedly not declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) as of June 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government urged rally participants and all stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the activity.
The DILG said it remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms of every Filipino, adding that it has directed the PNP to exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures to ensure the gathering remains peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone.
