By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MAJOR GATHERING. Iglesia ni Cristo workers set up Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday (Jan. 11, 2025) for the “National Rally for Peace.” Work in government offices and classes in all levels in Manila and Pasay cities are suspended on rally day on Monday (Jan. 13) due to the anticipated thousands of attendees. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – Around 5,000 police officers and other security forces will be deployed to secure the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathering, dubbed National Rally for Peace, at Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Monday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said Sunday at least 4,400 will be from the Philippine National Police while the remaining will be from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection.

“These does not include the usual deployment and anti-criminality [teams],” Aberin told the Philippine News Agency.

He said coordination was also made with the leadership of the religious group.

Key Manila roads near the rally will be closed beginning 4 a.m. Monday — Katigbak Drive and South Drive, Independence Road; both lanes of Roxas Blvd. from Katigbak Drive to UN Ave.; both lanes of Bonifacio Drive from Katigbak Drive to Anda Circle; P. Burgos Ave. from Victoria St. to Roxas Blvd.; Ma. Orosa St. from P. Burgos Ave. to UN Ave.; Finance Rd. from P. Burgos Ave. to Taft Ave.; Gen. Luna roundtable; and Kalaw Ave. from Taft Ave. to Roxas Blvd.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will help prepare alternate routes and dispatch some 1,300 to help in traffic management going to and from the venue.

Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes in all levels in Manila and Pasay City.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, meanwhile, said it is up to private sector employers if they would suspend work. (PNA)