UPDATES: IGLESIA NI CRISTO RALLIES (DAY 1)

Before the Event

  • At least 16,664 police officers were assigned as a security contingent for the INC-led activities at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were placed on full alert ahead of the rallies.
  • The Manila City Government prepared 14 ambulances for medical support, as confirmed by PNP spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño.
  • INC ministers led the program; non-members aligned with the cause were also welcomed.
  • INC spokesperson Bro. Edwil Zabala emphasized that the demonstration aims to express public outrage over large-scale corruption, not to influence politics.

Simultaneous Event — EDSA People Power Monument

  • The United People’s Initiative Fighting Corruption, composed of retired generals, staged a separate rally calling for government accountability, particularly over corruption in flood control projects at People Power Monument.

November 16, 2025 — Day 1

Morning

  • Manila disaster response teams, with physicians and medical staff from the local health department, established multiple aid stations across the city to assist rally participants.
  • Quezon City Police District (QCPD) deployed over 1,700 police personnel to secure the “Rally for Transparency” at the EDSA People Power Monument.
  • 8:00 AM: MDRRMO reports an early crowd estimate of 14,500 participants at the Quirino Grandstand.
  • INC members began marching along Manila in line with the peace rally, with the formal program scheduled to start at 4:00 PM.
  • 8:30 AM: Crowd estimate rises to around 16,000 at Luneta Park and Quirino Grandstand.
  • 9:00 AM: Crowd reaches approximately 18,000 participants.
  • The AFP elevated its status to Red Alert, the military’s highest readiness level, as multiple rallies unfolded across Metro Manila.
  • 10:00 AM: MDRRMO reports 23,000 participants at INC’s “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy.”
  • 11:00 AM: Attendance grows to 25,000 participants.

Afternoon

  • Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed that President Bongbong Marcos is closely monitoring the events.
  • 1:00 PM: Crowd estimate reaches 45,000.
  • 2:20 PM: Approximately 1,015 participants gathered at the People Power Monument for the UPI anti-corruption rally.
  • 3:00 PM: Around 130,000 people have gathered at the Quirino Grandstand.
  • 4:00 PM: INC crowd rises to about 314,000 participants.
  • 5:00 PM: Attendance reaches approximately 550,000 participants.
  • 6:00 PM: Crowd estimate climbs to 650,000 participants.

Key Messages

  • INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala delivered a speech urging accountability and transparency, emphasizing that the ongoing investigation into large-scale misuse of public funds must be conducted honestly and openly.
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