The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy nearly 10,000 personnel to ensure security during the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) religious rally at Rizal Park in Manila.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuano confirmed that the security preparations are set for November 16 to 18, RH Edniel Parrosa reported.

According to Tuaño, a total of 9,829 personnel are initially listed in the deployment plan of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). However, this figure may still change depending on further coordination with INC organizers.

“Ang initial na binigay ng NCRPO, 9,800 plus tingin naman po ay ito ay sapat na para bantayan ang ating mga kababayan na sasali po sa nasabing rally,” Tuaño said in a briefing at Camp Crame.

He emphasized that the number of deployed personnel was determined using data from previous INC rallies.

“Bagamat payapa at tahimik ‘yung rally ng nakaraan, ito pong mga data na ito at yung mga pigura na nakuha po natin noong mga nakaraan data. Ito po ay gagamitin sa paglalatag po ng security plan kaya sinasabi po natin dito,” he said.

The PNP will also raise its alert status in Metro Manila during the event days as part of precautionary measures. However, Tuano clarified that authorities have not detected any threats or plans of disruption from militant groups.

The INC rally, which will take place at Luneta Park in Manila, is reportedly being organized to call for government accountability amid probes into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

Authorities estimate that at least 300,000 people will participate, though the number could increase on the actual rally days.