NCRPO, AFP remain on full alert amid Iglesia Ni Cristo rally at Liwasang Bonifacio

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines remain on "full alert status" amid the ongoing Iglesia Ni Cristo rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Meanwhile, status for the rest of the country has been downgraded to "heightened alert," according to the Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co.

The rally has now moved to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila after the Quezon City government decided not to extend their permit to hold a protest at the EDSA-White Plains area.

As of 9 a.m. crowd estimate in the area is at 700.

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

Several police units were previously placed on full alert as the Iglesia Ni Cristo held a rally near EDSA People Power Monument, which started last Tuesday.

Under full alert status, all units and personnel are directed to maintain maximum readiness to perform their duties. Support forces will also be activated, and mandatory coordination among units is required to ensure effective operations.

Meanwhile, under the heightened alert, all police personnel are required to report for duty, with the PNP enforcing 100% attendance to ensure maximum deployment.

Red alert

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the red alert in NCR is yet to be lifted or downgraded, as he denied that they are treating the INC rally as a security threat.

"Meron kasing umaangulo na banta daw sa seguridad ang INC kaya nag red alert kami. Wala po tayong (There are those who are saying we declared a red alert because INC is a threat to the security. There was no) security threat monitored during the rally.. the alert status is our standard measure to place our personnel and assets on ready when needed by civil authorities in accordance with existing laws," Trinidad said.

Class suspension

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