PNP to keep security measures on 2nd day of INC rally

The Philippine National Police vowed Monday to continue implementing security measures on the second day of Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) rally against corruption, noting that the first day went "peaceful."

“Sa pangalawang araw, itutuloy po natin ang ating (On the second day, we will continue our) security operation,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview. 

“Sa unang araw ng rally sa Quirino Grandstand at iba't ibang parte ng ating bansa, naging matiwasay po ang rally. Ito po ay siyempre sa kooperasyon ng ating rallyista, at maaga at maayos na pagplaplano sa pagdaraos nitong kanilang aktibidades,” he siad.

(On the first day of the rally at the Quirino Grandstand and various parts of our country, the rally was peaceful. This is of course due to the cooperation of our rallyists, as well as early and proper planning in holding their activities.)

Upon the request of the INC, Nartatez said the armed cops deployed within the venue of the protest have been pulled out and transferred near the areas of United States Embassy  Manila, Anda Monument, and Taft Avenue. 

In a separate statement, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) expressed appreciation for the INC’s cooperation. 

“As we move forward to the next two days of the activity, the NCRPO stays committed to protecting the public and keeping the flow of events peaceful and organized,” the NCRPO said. 

“With continued cooperation from all sectors, we are hopeful that this atmosphere of peace and unity will continue until Tuesday,” it added. 

Many INC members spent the night in the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park in Manila so as not to miss Day 2 of their anti-corruption rally on Monday.

Some of them came from provinces, enduring hours-long travel to get to the rally venue in Manila.

The members put up tents and laid down mats, as seen in videos taken by Super Radyo dzBB reporter Ralph Obina.

Others stayed in three areas designated by the Manila local government unit as temporary shelter for the night: San Andres Sports Complex, Dapitan Sports Complex, and Del Pan Sports Complex

The INC rally program on Monday will start at 9 a.m. and will continue throughout the day, organizers said.

In an update, the Manila Police District (MPD) said the crowd in the INC rally has reached 650,000 people at 6 p.m. on Sunday. 

According to Nartatez, the volume of protesters may increased on the second day of the three-day rally at the Quirino Grandstand. —AOL, GMA Integrated News