Thousands INC Members Converge Near People Power Monument

Photo: PNP

MANILA, Philippines — An unannounced mass gathering of thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members brought traffic to a near standstill along EDSA on Tuesday morning, 30 June 2026, prompting a major deployment of law enforcement personnel.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that demonstrators began arriving around 3:00 am, marching towards the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and White Plains Avenue near the People Power Monument. By mid-morning, police estimated the crowd size to have swelled to around 8,000 participants.

The massive assembly forced authorities to temporarily close multiple strategic traffic points, including the EDSA Ortigas Flyover (both northbound and southbound), the EDSA Ortigas Service Road northbound, and both lanes of White Plains Avenue. The road blocks triggered heavy congestion stretching back across major thoroughfares in Quezon City and Mandaluyong, disrupting the morning commute.

The gathering was organised in response to an announcement made on Monday by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla regarding a non-bailable plunder case being filed against Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor before the Sandiganbayan. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into an alleged PHP 75 million campaign donation that was reportedly excluded from official declarations.

INC spokesperson Edwin Zabala confirmed that the assembly was held to support Marcoleta, who is a prominent member of the religious organisation. In a video statement, Zabala expressed concern that the non-bailable nature of the charge would result in the senator's immediate detention, preventing him from continuing to expose alleged anomalies.

Many participants were seen wearing white shirts from previous church rallies, including those reading "transparency and accountability".

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin confirmed that the demonstration did not have a local permit. Despite protocol normally calling for the dispersal of unpermitted rallies, Aberin stated that police chose to observe "maximum tolerance" to prevent a direct confrontation given the sheer volume of the crowd.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is closely monitoring the situation from the command group to coordinate public safety and traffic management operations. Around 900 police officers have been deployed to the area.

While the PNP maintains a policy of tolerance, local authorities reported that tensions escalated briefly on the ground. At least three individuals were arrested before 9:00 am following a physical confrontation in which some rally participants allegedly assaulted police officers.

Police commanders and MMDA personnel continue to hold a dialogue with INC organisers to keep key road lanes open, though motorists are strongly advised to seek alternative routes for the remainder of the day.