The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will conduct an assessment to determine whether there was a “failure of intelligence” in connection with the rally organized by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) at the EDSA People Power Monument.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae F. Co said authorities were able to detect the planned activity, but admitted that it was not identified early enough.

“Napakaaga nating nalaman but we were apprised of their plans… I-a-access natin lahat ang mga naging action ng commanders on the ground as well as yung intelligence personnel natin,” Co said, adding that the police would review the actions taken by ground commanders and intelligence units.

“Ang important thing for us now is to maintain peace and order,” he added.

Co also responded to questions about whether the background of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin as a member of the INC had any influence on the situation. He stressed that the police remain confident in Aberin’s professionalism.

“He is a police officer first before he is a member of a religious group. I believe he will maintain his professionalism and it will not affect his work as a regional director of NCRPO,” Co said.

Thousands of INC members staged a rally at the EDSA People Power Monument beginning June 30 in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta. The protest continued into its second day on July 1.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr earlier appealed to organizers to comply with the terms of their permit, ensure traffic flow is not disrupted, and maintain order and cleanliness in the area during the demonstration.