MANILA, Philippines — The ongoing INC Rally along EDSA on Tuesday drew thousands of participants from the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), prompting authorities to tighten security measures and appeal for cooperation as traffic disruptions and tensions unfolded in several areas across Metro Manila.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged rally participants to remain peaceful and follow lawful instructions from authorities as demonstrators gathered near the EDSA People Power Monument and other key locations in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is facing possible plunder charges linked to campaign donation allegations.
The large-scale INC Rally immediately became one of the biggest political and religious gatherings in the country this year, affecting major roads and triggering heightened monitoring from national agencies.
INC Rally Causes Heavy Traffic on Major Metro Manila Roads
Commuters across Metro Manila experienced long delays Tuesday morning after portions of EDSA and nearby roads became congested due to the INC Rally.
Authorities said thousands of rally participants assembled near White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, while another crowd gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implemented traffic rerouting and activated emergency response operations to manage the situation.
According to reports, parts of the EDSA Busway were briefly blocked after a bus stopped near the northbound lane close to White Plains. Heavy vehicle buildup quickly followed, affecting both private motorists and public transportation passengers during rush hour.
The MMDA said traffic personnel and law enforcement units were deployed in strategic locations to prevent further congestion and ensure the safety of both protesters and commuters.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the demonstration, authorities emphasized that they were exercising maximum tolerance while implementing crowd control protocols.
DILG Calls for Cooperation During INC Rally
In an official statement, the DILG reminded all participants in the INC Rally to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and cooperate with law enforcement officers deployed in the area.
The agency said the Philippine National Police (PNP) had been instructed to maintain peace and order while avoiding unnecessary confrontation with protesters.
Officials stressed that public safety remained a priority as the rally continued throughout the day.
The DILG also encouraged organizers and participants to respect traffic regulations and avoid actions that could escalate tensions on the ground.
Authorities acknowledged the right of citizens to peacefully assemble but clarified that cooperation with security personnel was necessary to prevent disruptions from worsening.
No Permit Issued for the INC Rally
Police officials confirmed that organizers of the INC Rally did not secure a permit before gathering on EDSA.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Anthony Aberin reportedly said the protest activity proceeded without the necessary rally permit, although authorities still allowed demonstrators to assemble while closely monitoring the situation.
The lack of a permit raised concerns among some officials due to the large number of attendees and the impact on public transportation routes.
Several incidents involving verbal altercations between protesters and police officers were also reported during the event. Authorities confirmed that some individuals were arrested after allegedly assaulting law enforcement personnel assigned to manage the crowd.
Despite these incidents, police maintained that they remained committed to peaceful crowd management and restraint.
Protest Linked to Support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta
The INC Rally was organized amid growing controversy surrounding Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who may soon face plunder charges related to campaign contribution allegations from the 2025 elections.
Ombudsman officials earlier announced that charges could be filed within the week, intensifying political discussions nationwide.
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said the rally was intended to call for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace, while clarifying that the religious group was not opposing the law itself but what it described as the “bending of the law.”
Supporters attending the gathering carried banners and signs expressing solidarity with Marcoleta and demanding fairness in the legal process.
The rally also reignited discussions online regarding the growing influence of mass mobilizations involving religious and political groups in the Philippines.
Marcos Monitors Situation Amid Massive INC Rally
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reportedly canceled several morning engagements to monitor developments related to the INC Rally and its impact on Metro Manila operations.
Malacañang officials said the president remained updated on crowd conditions, traffic management, and security concerns while staying in communication with relevant agencies.
The Palace maintained that public order and commuter safety were among the government’s top priorities during the demonstration.
Authorities estimated that thousands of individuals had already gathered by mid-morning near the People Power Monument, making the protest one of the most visible public assemblies this year.
Traffic congestion extended to multiple sections of EDSA as commuters struggled to reach workplaces and schools on time.
Security Tightened Across Metro Manila
Law enforcement agencies increased visibility across major roads and protest areas as the INC Rally continued.
Police officers, traffic personnel, and emergency responders were stationed near transport terminals, intersections, and possible choke points to prevent further disruptions.
Authorities also monitored social media activity and crowd movements to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies or violent incidents.
While organizers described the event as peaceful, authorities remained alert due to the large volume of participants and the emotional atmosphere surrounding the issue involving Marcoleta.
Public safety officials reminded participants to avoid provoking confrontations and encouraged motorists to seek alternate routes throughout the day.
Public Reaction Divided Over the INC Rally
The INC Rally generated mixed reactions online, with some netizens expressing support for the demonstrators’ right to protest, while others criticized the heavy traffic and disruptions experienced across Metro Manila.
Commuters posted photos and videos of crowded roads, long lines at transportation terminals, and stalled vehicles along EDSA during the morning rush.
Some social media users questioned the absence of a rally permit, while others defended the gathering as part of democratic freedom of expression.
Political observers noted that the event highlighted the continuing influence of organized mass actions in shaping public conversations around accountability and governance in the Philippines.
The scale of the protest also renewed comparisons to previous large mobilizations that affected Metro Manila traffic and public activity in past years.
Authorities Continue Monitoring the Situation
As the INC Rally progressed, authorities said coordination among national agencies, local government units, and law enforcement offices remained ongoing.
Officials assured the public that response teams were prepared to manage emergencies, clear traffic bottlenecks, and maintain order until the protest concluded.
The MMDA continued advising motorists to monitor traffic advisories and use alternative routes whenever possible.
Meanwhile, police reiterated their appeal for peaceful participation and responsible conduct among demonstrators.
Government agencies said they would continue balancing constitutional rights with public safety concerns as the situation developed throughout the day.
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