spot_img
25.6 C
Philippines
Sunday, February 9, 2025

Don’t politicize INC peace rally — poll chief

5k security forces deployed to Luneta

Commission on Elections chairman George Erwin Garcia appealed to politicians that they must not take advantage of the Iglesia ni Cristo’s National Rally for Peace today that is expected to draw at least a million participants at the Quirino Grandstand.

Garcia expressed confidence the gathering will not result in “politicking” after prominent INC members clarified the rally is for peace and political unity.

- Advertisement -

“Just like our call during the recent Traslacion, we hope that this religious activity is respected by its attendees. Politicians, too,” the poll chief said.

As early as Sunday afternoon, INC members started to arrive at the Quirino Grandstand.

INC leader Edwil Zabala said parallel programs will also be held across the country.

“All in all, there are 13 sites in different regions of the Philippines where people will gather,” Zabala said.

Around 5,000 police officers and other security forces were deployed to secure the INC gathering in Manila.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said Sunday at least 4,400 will be from the Philippine National Police while the remaining will be from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection.

“These do not include the usual deployment and anti-criminality [teams],” Aberin said.

Key Manila roads will be closed beginning 4 a.m. Monday — Katigbak Drive and South Drive, Independence Road; both lanes of Roxas Blvd. from Katigbak Drive to UN Ave.; both lanes of Bonifacio Drive from Katigbak Drive to Anda Circle; P. Burgos Ave. from Victoria St. to Roxas Blvd.; Ma. Orosa St. from P. Burgos Ave. to UN Ave.; Finance Rd. from P. Burgos Ave. to Taft Ave.; Gen. Luna roundtable; and Kalaw Ave. from Taft Ave. to Roxas Blvd.

Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes in all levels in Manila and Pasay cities ahead of the event.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said it was up to private sector employers if they would also suspend work.

The Quezon City government likewise suspended government work and face-to-face classes from public daycare to senior high today.

“This is in solidarity with the National Rally for Peace led by Iglesia ni Cristo, wherein many members and their primary church Templo Central reside in Quezon City,” the QC local government said.

The city government of Iloilo also ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels today in anticipation of the huge crowd joining the INC gathering at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Mayor Jerry Treñas on Sunday instructed concerned offices to hold a coordination meeting with the organizers of the peace rally to “ensure a seamless operation.”

In Davao, businessman and PDP bet Cesar Cuntapay said allies and supporters of the Duterte family will hold a separate nationwide prayer rally today.

Cuntapay told Manila Standard that although it was originally an INC rally, it was decided upon further discussion with supporters that the activity would be a simultaneous rally done nationwide.

Over the weekend, Sagip party-list Rodante Marcoleta said INC will not take sides between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

“The INC does not take sides. That is a categorical answer there. The INC would like to see people like the Vice President and the President work together. That is the essence of good government,” he said.

“It’s a rally for peace, that’s all. I think the INC wants to send a message across the nation that peace is a factor in achieving development and progress in this country. The INC believes that peace can only be achieved by uniting our people, and this unity can be best demonstrated by our leaders,” Marcoleta said.

Three impeachment complaints have been filed against Duterte before the House of Representatives based on multiple grounds, including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.

Mr. Marcos earlier said he does not support calls for Duterte’s impeachment as it would not help the Filipino people.

Earlier, an anchor from INC’s official broadcast arm also sought to debunk “fake news” claiming that the religious organization’s rally on Monday was intended to defend the Vice President.

“What will take place… is a rally for peace. It is not for VP Sara. It will take no [political] sides,” Net25 news anchor Ali Sotto said in Filipino.

“Let’s be objective. Let’s be factual. The rally is for peace — kapayapaan,” she added.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Comelec chief trusts INC peace rally will not be politicized”

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles