More Iglesia ni Cristo members converge near EDSA-Shaw

Members of Iglesia ni Cristo coming from various areas in Manila have started converging at Nueve de Pebrero Street as they prepare to join the crowd at EDSA-Shaw.

 

Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that Iglesia ni Cristo members already at Nueve de Pebrero Street came from Quiapo.

 

Interviewed by Nielsen, the protesters, who are holding Iglesia ni Cristo flags, declined to say how many were expected to converge at Nueve de Pebrero.

 

They said they will march to EDSA-Shaw once the others arrive.

 

Ilang myembro ng INC, dumarating na sa kanto ng Nueve de Pebrero at Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.|via @dzbbsamnielsen pic.twitter.com/n1Cat3eavP

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 30, 2015

 

Meanwhile, radio dzBB's Divine Reyes reported that according to the emcee on the stage setup at EDSA-Shaw, Iglesia ni Cristo officials are already in contact with people from the Mandaluyong City Hall in an effort to extend their stay at the area.

 

Reyes reported that according to the emcee, a separate negotiation was also ongoing for them to transfer to another place in case the Mandaluyong City Hall junks their application for extension.

 

Reyes tweeted that the place is not far from EDSA-Shaw.

 

#IglesiaNiCristo emcee: Nakikipagnegotiate na (para ma-extend ang rally permit). Pero may kinakausap na (malilipatan) malapit dito.

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 30, 2015

 

The crowd estimate at EDSa-Shaw as of 3:40 p.m. was 2,000, according to another report by radio dzBB.

 

Earlier in the day, Iglesia ni Cristo spokesperson Edwil Zabala confirmed to GMA News Online that their members from 12 ecclesiastical districts will join the crowd at EDSA-Shaw today.

 

The Iglesia ni Cristo is protesting Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's order to continue the investigation of the alleged kidnapping of the religious sect's ministers.

 

The protests started outside the compound of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday.

 

The Iglesia ni Cristo alleged that De Lima is meddling with their group's internal affairs.

 

Zabala also confirmed that Iglesia ni Cristo members will also gather in front of the DOJ's 14 regional offices. —ALG, GMA News