PNP: NCRPO on full alert ahead of INC rally

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert status in preparation for the security ahead of the three-day rally of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and other groups.

“The PNP has raised its security posture ahead of the three-day religious gatherings and public assemblies scheduled from November 16 to 18, 2025,” the PNP said in a statement.

“Initial deployment of personnel will commence on November 15, with full deployment starting on the first day of the event, as the entire NCRPO is placed on full alert to ensure readiness across Metro Manila,” it added.

Full alert means more cops will be available as absences or leaves will not be allowed among police personnel.

A total of 16,664 police personnel from the NCRPO, national support units, and various police regional offices have been assigned to secure key areas, according to the PNP.

Around 300,000 participants daily are expected at the People Power Monument and EDSA Shrine in Quezon City. EDSA Shrine is the venue for the rally of another group United Peoples Initiatives, the PNP said.

Around 100,000 people are expected at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Other key locations include Liwasang Bonifacio, Independent Commission for Infrastructure Grounds, the Senate of the Philippines, House of Representatives, US Embassy, Ayala Bridge, and major streets in Manila and Quezon City.

Police personnel will also cover key road networks, government buildings, control points, and high-density routes leading to rally locations. More units are deployed for intelligence monitoring, logistical support, emergency response, and seaborne patrols.

PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization is fully prepared for the large-scale gatherings. 

“The gathering is massive, and there are many areas that need to be secured, so we have strengthened the presence of our police personnel. Our goal is to ensure everyone’s safety and to maintain peace throughout the three-day activities,” Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said he believes these rallies will be peaceful. However, he warned of possible “infiltrators.”

“Pero nananawagan kami sa kanila to secure, to police their ranks, to make sure na hindi po sila masingitan dahil may mga nagre-report po sa atin pati na rin sa PNP na baka masisingitan sila at may you know, may mga infiltrators,” Brawner said in an ambush interview.

(But we are calling on them to secure, to police their ranks, to make sure the event will not be hijacked because there are people reporting to us and also to the PNP that there might be infiltrators.)

“Nandiyan po kami. we will assure them that we will be assisting them. Kung meron pong mga emergencies ay handa po kaming tumulong sa kanila,” he added.

(We will be there. We will assure them that we will be assisting them. If there are emergencies, we are ready to help them.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News