The crowd attending the third day of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) protest rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila could potentially reach 100,000 participants, although authorities are initially expecting only 10,000 to 15,000 attendees, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).
In an ambush interview, MPD District Director BGen. Arnold Santiago said police are not ruling out the possibility of a significant increase in the number of rally participants as the event progresses.
"Pwedeng mangyari yun, pero dun sa initial na pag-uusap namin ng mga organizers, mga 10 to 15 lang muna ngayong araw," Santiago said, referring to the initial crowd estimate based on coordination with rally organizers.
Santiago assured the public that the MPD has contingency plans should the number of demonstrators exceed expectations.
"Pag lumagpas, mag-e-extend siguro kami heading to Luneta, pero bawal papalapit sa seat of power, papalayo... papalayo kung mag-e-extend," he explained, emphasizing that any expansion of the protest area would be directed away from government institutions.
To accommodate additional participants if necessary, Santiago said police may recommend the use of three other designated freedom parks in Manila.
"May iba pa namang tatlong freedom parks available na puwede naming i-suggest sa mga organizers—Plaza Dilao, Plaza Moriones sa Tondo, at Plaza Miranda," he said.
As of the latest assessment, only Liwasang Bonifacio has been occupied by rally participants.
"Ito pa lang ang occupied. Ito lang muna ang initial doon sa usapan sa mga organizer," Santiago added.
The MPD official also noted that this year's protest has been more orderly due to early coordination between the rally organizers and the Manila local government.
"Mas organized ngayon kasi bago sila dumating dito, nakausap na nila ang local government unit," he said.
Meanwhile, Santiago said police intelligence operatives continue to monitor the situation to prevent any untoward incidents and avoid a repeat of the violence that erupted during the Mendiola protest on September 21.
Authorities remain on heightened alert as they continue to secure the rally site and ensure public safety while facilitating the participants' right to peaceful assembly.
