UPDATED: Members of the religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) staged a pre-dawn gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument on Tuesday, June 30, prompting the temporary closure of major roads and causing heavy traffic in parts of Metro Manila.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), around 500 rallyists and 30 vehicles were marching along the northbound lane of EDSA from Corinthian toward White Plains as of 3:48 a.m.
The protest forced authorities to temporarily close both the northbound and southbound lanes of EDSA-White Plains, while White Plains Avenue in both eastbound and westbound directions was also closed to traffic as of 5:15 a.m.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were deployed to maintain peace and order, while MMDA personnel managed traffic and advised motorists to expect delays and use alternate routes.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said police had received an intelligence report on the planned gathering on the night of June 29, indicating it would begin at around 3:00 a.m.
"May na-receive tayong intel report. Ang problema lang ay kung kailan. Kagabi may na-receive tayo na ngayon alas-3 ng madaling araw," Aberin said.
He added that authorities have yet to determine how long the protest will last.
"Walang definite na schedule kung hanggang kailan ang rally," he said.
Police initially appealed to the protesters not to block the entirety of EDSA, but the group allegedly refused.
"Pinakiusapan natin sila na huwag harangan ang buong EDSA nang sa ganoon ang mga kababayan natin ay makatawid at makabiyahe kung saan sila pupunta," Aberin said.
Authorities later succeeded in convincing the demonstrators to open one northbound lane of EDSA at White Plains, allowing vehicles to pass and easing traffic congestion in the area.
As of the latest update, the tail end of the procession had reached EDSA–Reliance (northbound) and EDSA–Kamuning Flyover (southbound).
Police have yet to identify the group behind the rally as protesters did not also clearly state their specific demands or advocacy.
Meanwhile, another gathering was also observed at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, where organizers were setting up a stage. Songs calling for unity, truth, and justice were being played on an LED screen ahead of the program.
