BUTUAN CITY – An estimated 10,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo in the Caraga region participated in the National Peace Rally for Peace at Libertad Sports Complex here on Monday, Jan. 13.
POLICE are deployed before the start of the Iglesia ni Cristo rally for peace in Butuan City on Monday, Jan. 13. (PRO 13-RPIO via Mike U. Crismundo)
INC members said they joined the rally because they want peace and unity in the country.
They said attacking one another, particularly those who are holding government positions, will further divide the country.
This rally is not a pro-Duterte or anti-Marcos event, it is about peace and unity, they stressed.
The Police Regional Office-13 deployed 425 police officers aside from 500 force multipliers around the Libertad Sports Complex since Sunday.
“The rally was generally peaceful since the start of the INC program this morning,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
She added that PRO-13 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano is closely monitoring the event to make this activity peaceful and orderly.
In line with the rally, the Traffic Management Office here temporarily closed the eastbound lane of J.C. Aquino Ave. from the corner of Bonbon Road to the end of the sports complex area and Bonbon Road from corner of J.C. Aquino Ave. to Capitol-Bonbon Road.
Designated parking areas and pick and drop-off points were designated. Police advised the public to take alternative routes to avoid traffic.