Iglesia ni Cristo rally: PNP on full alert with 6,000 cops deployed

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police placed major police regions and national units under full alert on Tuesday, June 30, as members of Iglesia ni Cristo gathered in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said full alert status was raised over Police Regional Offices 3 and 4A, the National Capital Region Police Office, national support units and all Camp Crame-based offices as of 5 a.m.

Under the directive, police personnel were ordered to maintain full operational readiness and strictly follow established protocols.

As of 9 a.m., the PNP said 5,936 police officers and allied security personnel had been deployed across key areas in Metro Manila.

Security forces were deployed not only at the People Power Monument, where protesters had gathered, but also at the EDSA Shrine, the Senate, Mendiola, Ayala Bridge, the U.S. Embassy and Liwasang Bonifacio.

Civil disturbance management contingents, reactionary standby support forces and quick reaction forces were also placed on standby for possible deployment.

Protest over Marcoleta case

Reports estimated the crowd along EDSA at around 12,000 as of 11 a.m.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the protesters had no permit.

Several individuals were arrested after altercations with police.

At one point, buses driven by INC members blocked the EDSA busway in an attempt to disrupt traffic. The Department of Transportation, however, said busway operations would continue.

The protest was held in support of Marcoleta, an INC member who may face plunder charges over alleged campaign donations during the 2025 elections.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said charges against Marcoleta may be filed this week.