National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said Wednesday that authorities have yet to receive final information on when the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally at the People Power Monument along EDSA will end after it began before dawn on Tuesday, June 30.
"Sa ngayon, wala pa pong pinal na impormasyon kung hanggang kailan ang rally nila [INC],” asked kung kailan matatapos ang protest action," Aberin said in an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
He said the Quezon City government issued a permit for a second day of demonstrations, covering the gathering from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Aberin explained that the permit includes a provision allowing its renewal, allowing the participants to remain at the site overnight provided they remain orderly and disciplined.
"Nasa colatilla kasi sa permit na ibigay, renewable po yung permit nila. Kung may nagnanais na mag-overnight dito. As long as hindi po sila unruly at may disiplina sa kanilang hanay ay ito-tolerate po namin sila na mag-overnnight dito," he said.
The NCRPO chief added that police will maintain close coordination with the rally leaders, noting that communication with organizers is essential in ensuring that participants follow instructions.
"Tuloy tuloy ang pakikipag-usapa natin sa kanila lalong lalo sa mga lider dito dahil kung hindi natin gagawin yun at gagawa tayo ng aksyon na walang coordinasyon sa kanila yung mga kasapi po kasi dito ay ang pinakikinggan lang po nila ay yung mga liders po nila. ‘Yung mga instructions ay dapat manggaling sa mga liders nila," Aberin said.
On Tuesday, the first day of the protest, the NCRPO said the gathering was held without a permit, limiting authorities' ability to fully prepare security measures in advance.
Thousands of members of the INC gathered in parts of Metro Manila on Tuesday in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is facing a plunder investigation and possible charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Despite the unexpected assembly, the NCRPO said the protest has remained generally peaceful, with no major untoward incidents reported.
Aberin urged participants to continue observing discipline and to comply with the conditions stated in the permit to avoid any problems.
"Ang panawagan lang natin ay sana panatilihin ang disiplina sa kanilang hanay at since na may na-isyu na permit ay mag-speak po tayo sa mga speculations po doon sa mga kondisyon ng permit na yun ng sa gayon ay makaiwas tayo sa mga magiging problema," he said.
