DILG orders cops to exercise maximum tolerance, urges INC to exercise protest right responsibly
At A Glance
Tensions flare and several individuals were arrested after some protesters allegedly forced a bus to block EDSA and attacked police officers during the Iglesia ni Cristo rally at the People Power Monument along EDSA on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Santi San Juan)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the protest action of a religious group at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 30.
In a statement, the DILG said it also tasked the PNP leadership to coordinate with the concerned local government unit implement appropriate security and traffic management measures.
“This is help ensure that the activity remains peaceful, orderly, and safe for all,” the statement read.
Hundreds of people started arriving at the People Power Monument in Quezon City as early as 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The crowd swelled to around 9,000 a several hours later.
Policemen and personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority started to tow the vehicles that were parked along EDSA.
Police later learned that the protesters were members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and said that there was no permit. Protesters were calling for truth, transparency and accountability.
The INC, through its spokesperson, said the protest action is in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta who is facing a case of plunder after allegedly admitting that he received P75 million from campaign donors.
While he was cleared of election offenses, the admission made on a national televion became a strong piece of evidence for a case of plunder since the amount involved is more than P50 million.
The DILG said it respects the activity of the INC, saying it is their constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express their views.
But it called on the protesters to be responsible.
‘The DILG calls on all participants and stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the activity,” the DILG starement read.
“The Department remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms of every Filipino,” it added.