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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hope for healing as INC's peace rally draws mammoth crowd

Hope for healing as INC's peace rally draws mammoth crowd

Published Jan 13, 2025 04:25 am
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(Courtesy of Manila General Information Systems Center/Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)

The “National Rally for Peace” organized by religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Monday, Jan. 13, attracted a mammoth crowd but the event went smoothly as no untoward event occurred, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

A crowd estimated to be over 1.15 million was recorded by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Office (DRRMO) as of 11 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand.

OCD-National Capital Region Director George Keyser said extensive emergency response measures were implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

The Manila DRRMO and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) have raised their alert status to “Red” to ensure comprehensive safety measures for the event.

Keyser inspected the mobile command center of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) stationed at TM Kalaw and met with Edwin Nasol, vice president for Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response of INC’s Society of Communicators and Networkers (SCAN) International, to coordinate the religious group’s security preparations with the national government.

The INC deployed 17,000 emergency responders who were supported by 120 personnel from the Manila DRRMO, two light urban search and rescue (USAR) teams from the Philippine Army's 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, and a medical team from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In addition, around 5,000 cops from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and 1,200 MMDA personnel were also fielded to maintain order and assist with crowd management.

“[T]here have been no reported casualties, injuries, or missing persons related to the event. The Task Force Tigil Pasada has been activated to monitor for any stranded passengers, but there have been no incidents reported thus far,” Keyser said.

According to INC, the National Rally for Peace aims to promote peace, unity, and goodwill within the community.

The event featured activities such as public prayers, community engagement initiatives, and cultural performances, serving as a significant opportunity for community-building beyond its religious observance.

The INC earlier announced that the peace rally was meant to express support for President Marcos Jr.’s position against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte is currently facing three impeachment complaints over her alleged misuse of public funds, an allegation which she vehemently denied.

Once a formidable duo under the tandem “Uniteam”, Marcos and Duterte drifted apart after being engaged in a tense political dispute. In November last year, Duterte claimed she had talked to a contracted assassin to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in case she, herself, is assassinated.

Related Tags

Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Manila City NDRRMC Office of Civil Defense National Rally for Peace
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