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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP places NCR troops on red alert as INC rally draws thousands; Coast Guard deploys 300 personnel

AFP places NCR troops on red alert as INC rally draws thousands; Coast Guard deploys 300 personnel

Published Jul 1, 2026 11:53 am  |  Updated Jul 1, 2026 02:13 pm

At A Glance

  • The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) placed its NCR units on red alert status, its highest level of military readiness, to ensure troops can support civilian authorities if needed during the second day of the INC rally.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard deployed 300 personnel to augment the 2,500 police officers securing the gathering. Around 5,000 participants were at the People Power Monument by 7 a.m., with organizers expecting the crowd to reach 100,000.
  • Unlike Tuesday's unannounced assembly that caused heavy traffic, Wednesday's INC rally was held with a permit from the Quezon City government, while the military said it has not monitored any security threats.
Tensions flared and several individuals were arrested after Iglesia ni Cristo members allegedly forced a bus to block EDSA and attacked police officers during a rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on June 30, 2026. (Santi San Juan/ManilaBulletin)
Tensions flared and several individuals were arrested after Iglesia ni Cristo members allegedly forced a bus to block EDSA and attacked police officers during a rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on June 30, 2026. (Santi San Juan/ManilaBulletin)
(UPDATED)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) placed its units in the National Capital Region (NCR) on red alert status, the highest level of military readiness, to help secure the second day of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally along EDSA in Quezon City that is expected to draw thousands of participants on Wednesday, July 1.
In a statement, the AFP said the move aims to ensure troops are ready to respond if assistance is requested by civilian authorities.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has placed units in the National Capital Region on red alert status to ensure heightened operational readiness,” the military said.
The AFP said the alert is a standard security measure but it does not mean that an attack or armed conflict is taking place. Instead, it places troops and assets on heightened readiness so they can respond immediately if needed.
“This standard measure keeps AFP personnel and assets prepared to support civil authorities, when requested, in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, and established procedures,” the AFP stated.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the AFP's decision to place its units in the NCR on red alert status is a routine security measure carried out in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"That's a normal and routine procedure. There is ongoing coordination with the PNP, and the AFP is only providing support to help maintain peace and order," Teodoro said.
He also downplayed concerns over the security situation, saying authorities have not monitored any serious threats related to the ongoing INC gathering along EDSA.
"As far as I am concerned, we have not monitored anything serious," he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed 300 personnel to augment security operations from the PNP, which also fielded an initial 2,500 personnel. Police said the deployment may increase as more participants arrive.
By 7 a.m. Wednesday, police estimated that around 5,000 INC members had gathered at the People Power Monument and organizers said the attendance could reach 100,000 before the activity ends at 8 p.m.
The rally was organized to call for “transparency” in government, following Tuesday's surprise assembly at the same venue after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that plunder charges would be filed against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta. Thousands of protesters gathered without a permit, and the crowd and vehicles caused heavy traffic along EDSA and nearby roads.
The military said it has not monitored any security threats related to the gathering.
Unlike Tuesday's activity, organizers secured a permit from the Quezon City government for Wednesday's rally. The permit also prohibited participants from parking vehicles along White Plains Avenue and EDSA.
The AFP said it continues to work with law enforcement agencies to help maintain peace and order.
“The AFP continues to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to promote public safety, security, and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services,” it said.
The military also stressed that it remains neutral while carrying out its constitutional duties.
“The AFP remains a professional, non-partisan institution committed to upholding the rule of law, respecting human rights, and protecting the rights of all Filipinos while fulfilling its mandate to safeguard the nation,” it noted.

Related Tags

AFP rally Iglesia Ni Cristo EDSA Quezon City Senator Rodante Marcoleta
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