The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Tuesday that a rally being held by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) along EDSA had no permit or prior coordination with authorities, as officials scrambled to manage traffic disruptions in the area.

MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the religious gathering on June 30 proceeded without official approval.

“Wala talagang permit ang rally na ito. Wala ring abiso, walang coordination. Ito ay talagang ginawa lang nila literally,” Torre said.

Authorities are currently negotiating with representatives of the Iglesia ni Cristo to restore normal traffic flow and ease congestion along the major highway, one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares.

Torre said the agency’s primary concern is ensuring that roads remain open and accessible to the public.

“Ang ating primary consideration diyan ay siguraduhin na ang ating mga kalsada ay open at accessible sa ating mga kababayan para tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang paggalaw ng mga sasakyan ng mga tao,” he said.

The MMDA has deployed close to 1,000 personnel in affected areas of EDSA to manage the situation.

Torre noted that several key roads have been impacted by the rally, including White Plains, which has been fully closed, while Temple Drive and Katipunan Avenue are also experiencing disruptions.

Despite the closures, Torre said alternative routes remain open and urged motorists to take them.

“Bukas naman lahat ng alternative routes, pwedeng gamitin ‘yan. We encourage na kung pwede gumamit ng alternative routes,” he said.

Traffic congestion was also reported in both northbound and southbound lanes of EDSA as authorities worked to clear obstructions and normalize the flow of vehicles.