Crowd size at EDSA rally hits 10,000; NCRPO, other PNP units under full alert

Some 10,000 protesters have gathered near the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City as of late morning Tuesday, Super Radyo dzBB reported, quoting police estimates.

According to a radio report by Mark Makalalad, the Quezon City Police District said the crowd size has grown to the 10,000 mark by 11 a.m., some nine hours since they started converging in the area.

Police deployment in the vicinity of the monument was strengthened to over 1,000 to secure the rally and maintain peace and order.

As this developed, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that several police units have been placed under full alert status, namely the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Central Luzon police, Calabarzon police, national support units, and offices based in Camp Crame.

At around 7 a.m., heavy rains poured over the gathering, but police officers remained at their posts to continue providing security for participants and motorists.

In a statement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday maximum tolerance is being observed by law enforcers, even as it appealed to protesters to observe the rule of law.

"In connection with the Iglesia ni Cristo rally along EDSA, the DILG has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with the concerned local government unit, to exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures to help ensure that the activity remains peaceful, orderly, and safe for all," the department said.

"The DILG calls on all participants and stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the activity. The Department remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms of every Filipino," it added.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced several road closures and advised motorists to expect traffic congestion in the vicinity of the rally.

The following roads have been closed to traffic:

• EDSA Ortigas Service Road (northbound)
• EDSA Ortigas Flyover (northbound)
• EDSA Ortigas Flyover (southbound)
• White Plains Avenue (eastbound and westbound)

Based on the MMDA's latest traffic monitoring, moderate to slow-moving traffic was reported along the following areas:

• EDSA southbound: Scout Borromeo to the Ortigas split
• EDSA northbound: Guadalupe to White Plains

The MMDA said one lane has been occupied by vehicles parked by rally participants, contributing to traffic buildup. Motorists are advised to expect delays and take alternate routes whenever possible. MMDA personnel have been deployed to manage traffic flow in the affected areas. — VDV, GMA News