The United People’s Initiative (UPI) formally commenced its program as part of its rally at the EDSA People Power Monument at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, as part of its call for government accountability and transparency.
According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), earlier, some protesters displayed placards reading “Marcos, resign,” and hosts also made similar calls during the program. The QCPD issued a caution to the organizers, who subsequently complied and removed the statements from the event.
"Meron kasi silang placard na medyo hindi naaayon dun sa MOU, kaya mismo yung organizer ang humingi ng paumanhin nila, binaba naman nila yung placard," QCPD Director PCol. Randy Glenn Silvio said.
He said that they are studying possible legal actions against protesters who called for “Marcos Resign” and urged the military to withdraw its support from the administration.
"Pwede naman kasing pag may violation, hindi naman natin pwedeng, pwede naman natin kung kakasuhan natin, regular filing, para bahala na silang mag-explain sa court," he added.
Silvio stressed that organizers had agreed with the local government to avoid any acts of insurrection or rebellion, which are closely monitored by authorities.
Mark Dilson Bertuldo, Executive Secretary of UPI, said that the rally is expected to draw up to 300,000 participants. With this, authorities have outlined clear guidelines to ensure safety and order during the event.
The crowd included groups dressed in white marching from the EDSA Shrine toward the People Power Monument, along with members of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Movement, who joined the UPI program.
In the ongoing program, participants at UPI rally joined in singing “Bayan Ko,” one of the iconic anthems of the People Power Revolution.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) estimated that around 1,500 people had gathered at EDSA White Plains as of 6:15 pm.
AFP marks commitment to upholding the Constitution through prayer
Just meters from the People Power Monument, military personnel held a separate activity coinciding with the Iglesia Ni Cristo rally in Manila. The gathering, described as a prayer assembly, was led by retired members of the armed forces.
Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches led a prayer at Camp Aguinaldo, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasized the non-partisan role of the troops.
Active AFP members present at the general headquarters participated in prayers advocating adherence to the Constitution and the military’s neutral stance in politics.
According to the AFP Public Affairs Office, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. attended the stirring assembly and reminded troops "to honor their oath—serving with professionalism, honor, and integrity, remaining loyal to the Constitution, and letting the rule of law guide their every action."
The UPI rally continued to draw participants, including members of JIL and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). The program is scheduled to run until 10:00 p.m., per the permit issued by the Quezon City local government.
