THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that the first day of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) mass demonstration in Manila on Sunday remained generally peaceful, with Secretary Jonvic Remulla reaffirming that government forces are fully prepared to address any threat to public order.
“Sa pinag-usapan namin ng mga tagapamahala ng INC, nakikita naman natin na they are living to what they promised. Tahimik naman sa Quirino,” Remulla said during a site inspection with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Anthony Aberin.
He said the PNP’s security operations were strengthened by “lessons learned” from the September 21 anti-corruption rallies. “It is better to overreact than underreact. It is better to be overprepared than underprepared. Lessons learned.”
While no untoward incidents were recorded, Remulla assured the public that authorities remain on alert. “Tuwing may pagtitipon ang mga tao na ganyan, it is normal na ang security protocol ng Malacanang is on high alert. Pinapakita lang namin na for any eventuality handa ang PNP at BFP,” he said.
The DILG Secretary also warned groups or individuals who may attempt to disrupt the otherwise peaceful three-day demonstration. “We don’t want destabilization sa gobyerno. We are all calling for a peaceful rally para maghanap ng katotohanan at hustisya. Pero ang destabilization, hindi talaga kami papayag.”
Remulla likewise reminded parents to caution their children against joining disorderly groups. “Pinost ko naman sa Facebook page ng DILG, nagbigay ako ng babala sa mga magulang. Pagsabihan ang mga anak na huwag sumama sa mga Geng-Geng at Gangsta,” he said.
“Buong bigat ng batas at hustisya ang gagamitin namin laban sa mga destabilizers,” he emphasized.
As of 5:00 PM, the Manila Police District estimated that around 550,000 individuals joined the first day of the INC rally.
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