Over 1.5 million Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members and supporters trooped to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Monday, Jan. 13, to call for peace and unity to reign in the country.
The peaceful assembly of the rallyists started as early as Sunday evening, Jan. 12, to avoid traffic disruptions caused by road closures in preparation for the event.
Many set up tents around the area or checked into nearby hotels.
By 9 a.m., authorities reported that 701,145 individuals had already arrived, with more expected throughout the day.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said that at 12 noon, the crowd estimate has doubled, reaching 1.5 million.
The INC emphasized that the event serves as a powerful call for unity and to set aside political divisions in favor of a shared vision of peace.
The rally's official program, which is set to begin at 4 p.m., is expected to last until 6 p.m.
INC organizers were quick to clarify that the event was not intended to promote any political agenda, especially with the upcoming midterm elections.
The massive crowd gather at the Quirino Grandstand, waving INC flags and holding banners emblazoned with slogans like "Kapayapaan para sa Lahat" (Peace for All) and "Pagkakaisa ng Bayan" (Unity of the Nation).
The National Rally for Peace is also being held simultaneously in 12 other locations nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) deployed 3,000 personnel to monitor the crowd and manage the situation at the Quirino Grandstand.
Authorities are anticipating that the total turnout could exceed one million by the time the program officially begins.
