By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has requested additional police forces from neighboring regional commands as authorities prepare for the third day of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-led rally, now relocated to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, a site considered highly sensitive because of its proximity to Malacañang Palace.
NCRPO chief Major Gen. Anthony Aberin said Wednesday that the decision to seek reinforcements was driven by heightened security concerns surrounding the new venue.
“I already requested additional personnel from other units because we understand Liwasan is near Malacañang,” Aberin told reporters.
Aberin said he had already instructed the Manila Police District (MPD) to begin deploying personnel to Liwasang Bonifacio, with an initial contingent of 1,000 police officers assigned to secure the area.
The NCRPO chief acknowledged that policing the new venue presents a greater challenge than monitoring the previous rally site along White Plains Avenue in Quezon City.
“The pressure and the stress are the same on my part, but it is more challenging because Liwasan is near Malacañang,” Aberin said.
Despite the relocation, the NCRPO will remain under full alert status, with police forces assigned around Malacañang continuing their security operations.
Authorities noted that Wednesday’s protest was considerably more organized than the rally’s first day.
According to Aberin, organizers complied with the conditions imposed under the rally permit issued by the Quezon City government, including limiting activities to the approved schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“We can say the second day was better than the first because the conditions stipulated in the permit were observed,” Aberin said.
The first day of the protest had proceeded without a permit, resulting in widespread traffic congestion and disruptions that drew criticism from commuters, businesses, and local officials.
The INC initially staged its demonstration along White Plains Avenue and portions of EDSA in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is expected to face a non-bailable plunder charge before the Sandiganbayan.
The religious group also said the rally seeks greater government transparency.
However, after citing violations of permit conditions and the significant inconvenience caused to the public, the Quezon City government revoked the rally permit for Thursday, prompting organizers to move the gathering to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
With the rally now unfolding just a short distance from the country’s seat of executive power, security agencies are expected to enforce stricter crowd control measures while balancing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly with the need to safeguard government institutions and maintain public order.
Police officials have assured the public that they remain fully prepared to secure the area, prevent any untoward incidents, and ensure that the demonstration remains peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
ia/xf
