DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office reported that 320,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo from Mindanao participated in the National Rally for Peace on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13, at the San Pedro Square here.
MORE than 300,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo from Mindanao participate at the National Rally for Peace on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13, at San Pedro Square in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)
Police Capt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the DCPO, said that about 320,000 INC members, including other sectors, joined the rally as of 12 noon.
She added that the rally was expected to draw a huge number of participants.
Minister Eraño “Bong” Estudillo, regional legal officer of the INC, said the rally aimed to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 's position opposing the impeachment move against Vice President Sara Duterte.
INC members from Davao region, Socsksargen region, and Bukidnon said they participated in the rally to advocate for peace and unity in the nation.
According to the religious group, criticizing each other, especially individuals in government positions, would only deepen division within the country. They emphasized that the rally is about peace and unity.
Walk for Peace
Duterte supporters organized a Walk for Peace simultaneous with the National Rally for Peace to show their support to Duterte.
Duterte supporters, who walked from Roxas Freedom Park to Rizal Park in San Pedro Square here, said the activity aims to protect Duterte from the impeachment complaint being pushed against her.
Three impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte at the House of Representatives, accusing her of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other serious offenses related to the alleged misappropriation of confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary.
Generally peaceful
"The rally was generally peacefully since the start of their gathering," Tuazon said. She added that they are closely monitoring their areas of responsibility aside from the main event here to ensure peace and order.
DCPO acting director Police Col. Hansel Marantan said the more than 1,000 police officers were deployed in strategic areas to maintain peace and order in the rally. He reminded the public to act responsibly.
Police Regional Office-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said they have deployed additional personnel to strengthen security here and the region and ensure zero untoward incidents.
In line with the rally, the Davao City Council approved an ordinance last Tuesday authorizing the temporary closure of San Pedro, C.M. Recto, C. Bangoy, Iñigo, Pelayo, Bolton, and Rizal Streets from Jan. 11 to 13.