More cops deployed as protest action stalls EDSA traffic
NCRPO vows maximum tolerance, asks motorists to look for other routes
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The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) deployed on Tuesday, June 30, around 900 policemen at the People Power Monument in Quezon City following what appeared to be a surprise protest action by a religious group.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the latest crowd estimate was around 8,000 and said that based on their dialogue with the organizers, all are members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).
“We asked them earlier and as far as I know, they are members of the INC. There are no other groups present,” said Aberin.
Hundreds of protesters suddenly appeared at the People Power Monument early morning of Tuesday and Aberin said it caused monstrous traffic jams especially along the northbound of EDSA and White Plains as the roads were blocked by the presence of the protesters.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier said that protester begin to arrive at the People Power Monument at around 3 a.m. Tuesday.
Aberin said they immediately deployed additional personnel in the area as more protesters started to arrive.
“We asked the organizers to keep the roads cleared and they agreed,” said Aberin.
It was not immediately clear what is the purpose of the protest action.
Aberin said the protesters have no permit and the protocol was that it should be dispersed. But given the number of crowds, he said any move to disperse them may result in confrontation.
“We will be observing maximum tolerance and we will be asking them to keep the roads clear for traffic,” said Aberin.
“They did not give specific time as to what time they will stay but we assure the public that police will be here for as long as they are here,” he added.
Aberin also asked private motorists that usually take EDSA to look for alternative routes.