Groups start to gather for Iglesia Ni Cristo rally at Liwasang Bonifacio

Several groups are starting to gather at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday for the third day of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally.

The crowd estimate in the area is 350 early Thursday, according to Bam Alegre's report on Unang Balita, citing the Manila Police District (MPD).

As of 9 a.m., the number increased to 700, MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines told Super Radyo dzBB.

Authorities expect the number to grow throughout the day as those who attended the previous rally in EDSA will head to Manila after the Quezon City government decided not to extend their permit to hold a protest at the EDSA-White Plains area.

LIVE UPDATES: Iglesia Ni Cristo rally at Liwasang Bonifacio (July 2, 2026)

An INC minister told the protesters there the rally will be held at Liwasang Bonifacio on Thursday as the area does not require a permit to stage a program there.

“Lilipat tayo para mairaos natin ‘yung karapatan natin na ginagarantya ng Saligang Batas. Kaya mga kapatid, lilipat tayo sa Maynila, sa Liwasang Bonifacio,” the minister said.

(We are transferring so we can exercise our rights guaranteed by the Constitution. That is why, brethren, we are moving to Manila, to Liwasang Bonifacio.)

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Police Major General Anthony Aberin has said that an initial 1,000 police personnel will be deployed at Liwasang Bonifacio.

He added that more cops could be deployed depending on the number of participants.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, meanwhile, has suspended classes in the city due to the rally.

"In light of the expected transfer of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) protest to Liwasang Bonifacio in the City of Manila, I am announcing the suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private, today, Thursday, 2 July 2026," Moreno said in a social media post.

Meanwhile, the city government also provided free breakfast to rallyists who stayed overnight.

Road closure

The following areas were closed starting at 4 a.m.:

• CRB MENDIOLA

Stretch of C. M. Recto Ave. from Nicanor Reyes St. - Mendiola St.

Stretch of Legarda St. from Figueras St. - San Rafael St.

• LIWASANG BONIFACIO (4am onwards)

Stretch of Magallanes Drive from Jones Bridge - MacArthur Bridge

• AYALA BRIDGE (4am onwards)

Eastbound lane of Ayala Blvd. from San Marcelino St. - Romualdez St.

—VAL/AOL, GMA NEWS