MANILA — The Palace on Wednesday appealed to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) leadership to ensure that its ongoing protest actions are not exploited by groups allegedly seeking to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said security agencies are evaluating online reports alleging plans to target key government facilities, including Malacañang, although authorities have yet to confirm the authenticity of the claims.
Despite the circulating reports, Castro emphasized that the government has no reason to believe that members of the INC are involved in any plot to undermine the administration.
She said Malacañang respects the religious group’s leadership and believes its protest activities are not intended to incite the public against the government. Instead, she urged INC officials to remain vigilant against outsiders who might attempt to infiltrate or take advantage of the demonstrations for political purposes.
Castro noted that authorities will not disregard intelligence reports, even if they later turn out to be unfounded, stressing that the government remains ready to respond to any threat to public safety and constitutional order.
The Palace likewise reaffirmed its respect for the INC’s right to peaceful assembly, describing the demonstrations as part of the group’s support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta following the Office of the Ombudsman’s move to pursue a plunder complaint over his alleged non-disclosure of PHP75 million in campaign donations.
She added that President Marcos remains committed to transparency and accountability in public service while recognizing the constitutional rights of citizens to hold peaceful protests.
At the same time, Castro reminded demonstrators to comply with existing laws and avoid confrontations with police officers, saying the Philippine National Police has been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance in maintaining peace and order throughout the protest activities.
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