INC members end rally at Liwasang Bonifacio

MANILA, Philippines — After three days of rallies, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ended yesterday their mass action.

The final day was held at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, where they again denounced the plunder case to be filed against INC member Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

Protesters decided to transfer their protest site to one of Manila’s freedom parks after the Quezon City government revoked their rally permit on Wednesday night.

Before the rally ended, Sen. Robinhood Padilla and former presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo addressed the crowd.

“We are getting targeted one by one in the minority,” Padilla said. “Earlier when I woke up, I saw that I’m also getting charged with obstruction of justice for helping Sen. Bato dela Rosa escape.”

Padilla slammed President Marcos for his recent engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“BBM invited Putin to the Philippines when he also has a standing warrant from the International Criminal Court,” he said.

Panelo relayed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s message to the INC: “He expressed his love for your continued support.”

As of 4 p.m., the Manila Police District estimated 2,800 rallyists had gathered in Liwasang Bonifacio.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno suspended classes at all levels for both public and private schools.

About 36.585 tons of garbage along EDSA-White Plains Avenue in Quezon City were collected by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority after the two-day protest of INC members.

Labor leader Leody de Guzman criticized the Manila Department of Social Welfare for its “special treatment” of rallyists after distributing hot meals.