The Iglesia Ni Cristo moved its protest to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday after Quezon City revoked the permit for the third day of the rally. The Philippine National Police said it will maintain security deployments at the new site. The action supports Senator Rodante Marcoleta who faces a possible plunder case.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo began its rally on Tuesday at the People Power Monument area in Quezon City without a permit. The group received a permit for Wednesday but Quezon City officials withdrew approval for Thursday citing severe traffic disruptions along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue that affected students, workers, and commuters.
Manila city officials confirmed that Liwasang Bonifacio is a designated freedom park where no permit is required for public assemblies. Mayor Francisco Domagoso said the city government recognizes the right to free speech and appealed to participants to keep the activity orderly and clean. Classes in Manila were suspended on Thursday and several roads near the site were closed.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said a sufficient number of personnel will be deployed to secure the activity and protect motorists, commuters, and students. He added that police will prioritize dialogue before any enforcement action and urged organizers to respect local government orders.
