The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalibrated its operational strategy for the second day of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) protest on Wednesday, aiming to prevent a repeat of the heavy traffic congestion that affected major routes during the initial day of the assembly.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. ordered the National Capital Region Police Office, Quezon City Police District (QCPD), and other concerned units to fully implement security and traffic management plans in coordination with the local government and rally organizers.
“We have directed all concerned units to implement the appropriate security and traffic management plans, maintain close coordination with the local government and rally organizers, and ensure the peaceful conduct of the assembly,” Nartatez said in a statement.
The police directive aligns with instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to uphold the right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public order and minimizing disruption to commuters and essential services.
Based on documents presented by the QCPD, the Quezon City government issued a rally permit upon request of the INC through its authorized representatives Minister Eraño Codera and lawyer Lindsey Bendal.
The permit allows the group to hold a rally along EDSA-White Plains up to Temple Drive, excluding the People Power Monument area.
It also sets the rally schedule from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and limits attendance to an estimated 100,000 participants. The main stage is required to be set up at least 200 meters away from the People Power Monument.
Organizers are required to remain within the approved venue and time, comply with Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, avoid disrupting police operations, prevent full road closures, and maintain cleanliness in the area.
The latest protest activity follows the June 30 gathering near the EDSA People Power Monument, which the PNP earlier said proceeded without a permit and caused temporary traffic disruption along EDSA.
“Our personnel have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance while remaining ready to enforce the law and protect the safety of participants and the general public,” Nartatez said.
Malacañang has said it does not view the rally as a threat to the administration, but reiterated that while the right to peaceful assembly is respected, legal requirements for public gatherings must still be observed.
The Palace also emphasized that authorities have been instructed to apply maximum tolerance while ensuring compliance with the law.
Nartatez appealed to organizers and participants to strictly follow permit conditions and cooperate with authorities to maintain order throughout the activity.
“We ask the organizers and participants to strictly comply with the conditions of the permit, cooperate with law enforcement personnel, and help maintain peace, order, and cleanliness throughout the activity,” he said.
He added that the PNP has put measures in place to ease traffic flow and reduce inconvenience for the public.
“To the public, we assure you that the PNP is taking all necessary measures to minimize inconvenience, manage traffic, and ensure everyone’s safety,” Nartatez said.
The police chief also urged patience as authorities balance the constitutional right to assembly with the need to keep public services running smoothly.
Photo courtesy of Batas PH
Comments