RALLY ALONG EDSA — Thousands of rallyists gather near the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Tuesday morning, June 30, causing traffic disruption in the area. (Photo courtesy of QCPD)
Traffic along EDSA-White Plains in Quezon City was disrupted on Tuesday morning, June 30, after unidentified groups gathered near the People Power Monument.
The gathering caused heavy traffic as authorities managed the crowd and adjusted traffic flow along one of Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares.
The groups started arriving at around 2 a.m., with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reporting that around 500 rallyists and 30 vehicles marched from EDSA Corinthian northbound toward EDSA White Plains northbound.
The crowd was estimated at around 7,000 as of 6:45 a.m., prompting authorities to implement traffic adjustments and security measures in the area.
By 5:15 a.m., the MMDA announced the temporary closure of EDSA White Plains eastbound and westbound lanes as the number of people in the area increased.
As of 6:30 a.m., a stage was being set up along White Plains Avenue for the ongoing protest, while the stretch of road was no longer passable to motorists due to the gathering.
The MMDA advised motorists to expect slow-moving traffic and take alternate routes when possible as personnel from the agency, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) were deployed to manage traffic and maintain peace and order.
The identity of the organizers and the specific purpose of the gathering remained unclear, although some participants were seen wearing white shirts bearing the words “transparency and accountability.”
Some rallyists later identified themselves as members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), but they declined to disclose details about the purpose of their gathering.
The protest affected the morning commute, with portions of EDSA-White Plains becoming inaccessible and causing delays for motorists.
Police personnel appealed to the rallyists to clear parts of the road and allow vehicles to pass, leading to the reopening of one lane of EDSA northbound at White Plains.
Security measures remained in place near the People Power Monument as authorities continued monitoring the situation and managing traffic in the area.