Thousands of hundreds of people from around the country gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to attend the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally on Sunday, Jan. 28.
Marshals said the people started to flock to the venue as early as 10 a.m. even though the gate was scheduled to open at 12 p.m.
They said at least three boxes of prohibited items were confiscated from the attendees.
Vapes, ballpens, and other inflammable and sharp objects were not allowed inside the Quirino Grandstand and were required to be left at the inspection booths outside the venue.
A pre-program activity was held at 2 p.m., where singers and dancers performed to entertain the audience.
Manila police recorded around 100,000 attendees at 4 p.m., but the number increased to 400,000 at 6 p.m. as the program started.
President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, and other Malacañang key officials graced the event to deliver their addresses.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and representatives from various cities and provinces were also present to show their support for the "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign.
The signal was temporarily shut from around 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of the intense security measures.
A total of 3,587 authorities from different task forces were deployed to monitor the area.
Healthcare personnel from at least 15 medical posts said they had catered to at least 300 patients who suffered heat exhaustion, dizziness, hypertension, and other medical concerns.
The venue was also equipped with water stations sponsored by Maynilad Inc. to keep the attendees hydrated, while 60 portalets were installed to ensure that all attendees could have convenient access to restrooms.
Police said no untoward incidents were reported throughout the event.