Manila, Philippines — Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members began assembling early Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand as anticipation built for the religious group’s three-day “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy.”
The program is set to formally begin at 4:00 p.m. on November 16, but foot traffic surged at the venue long this noon.
According to Manila Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Offic (MDRRMO), the attendance at the rally has increased to about more than 25,000 participants as of 11:00 AM.
National authorities project that the gathering could reach up to one million participants over the course of the multi-day protest, which INC leaders describe as part of their continuing stand against widespread corruption.
On the other hand, the local and national police assured the public that security forces are fully prepared for the massive assembly.
INC organizers reiterated that the rally is open not only to their members but also to any citizen who wishes to join the collective call for accountability and good governance.
The group emphasized that the demonstration aims to amplify public frustration over corruption and to rally support for stronger reforms, not for political motive.