Iglesia ni Cristo asks Mandaluyong for one-day extension of rally permit

The Iglesia ni Cristo has applied for a one-day extension of the permit given to the religious group to stage a rally at the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.

Iglesia ni Cristo spokesman Edwil Zabala made the announcement on Sunday hours before Mandaluyong City's permit expired at midnight on Monday.

Church members on Sunday afternoon have also started to converge at the Nueve de Pebrero area on Shaw Boulevard.

Those interviewed by radio dzBB said they will proceed to EDSA-Shaw from Nueve de Pebrero Street.

Citing the emcee at the Iglesia ni Cristo's stage on EDSA-Shaw, radio dzBB's Divine Reyes reported that the church's officials are already in contact with people from the Mandaluyong City Hall in an effort to extend their stay at the area.
 
Reyes reported  a separate negotiation was also ongoing for the group to transfer to another venue in case the Mandaluyong City Hall junks their application for an extension.

"I believe dadami. This is the best day na magpunta sila," Iglesia ni Cristo spokesperson Edwil Zabala told GMA News Online in a phone interview on Sunday.
 
A report by Eagle News of the Iglesia ni Cristo said that members from 12 ecclesiastical districts will  join the gathering at EDSA-Shaw.
 
Radio dzBB, meanwhile, reported that the religious sect's members from Bicol region, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Zambales and Batangas will also join the protest action.
 
As of 4:15 p.m., the Eastern Police District said that at least 4,000 members of Iglesia ni Cristo have joined the protest action at EDSA-Shaw. -NB, GMA News