By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the rally organized by members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) near the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Tuesday, according to Malacañang.
In a message to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President continues to be informed about the developments in EDSA, especially the motorists and commuters affected by heavy traffic.
“Nagmo-monitor po ang Pangulo sa ngayon sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Patuloy na inaalam ang nangyayari sa mga kababayan natin na naantala sa paglalakbay at pagtatrabaho dahil sa nangyayari sa EDSA,” Usec.Castro said.
“Mino-monitor din niya ang kapakanan ng ibang kababayan na naiipit sa gitna ng EDSA pati na rin ang pagsasagawa ng mga kapulisan ng kanilang mandato na magbigay proteksiyon at seguridad sa mga inosente nating kababayan,” she added.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with the local government of Quezon City, to “exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures to help ensure that the activity remains peaceful, orderly, and safe for all.”
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that as early as 5:00 a.m., the Police Regional Offices 3 and 4A, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the National Support Units, and Crame-based PNP offices and units were placed under full alert status due to the assembly.
Nearly 6,000 police and allied security personnel have also been deployed in key areas, including the People Power Monument, EDSA Shrine, the Senate of the Philippines, Mendiola, Ayala Bridge, the U.S. Embassy, Liwasang Bonifacio, and other identified locations.
“All personnel have been directed to maintain full operational readiness and perform their duties in accordance with established operational procedures,” Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), for its part, has activated its Emergency Operations Center to ensure swift response and coordination among concerned agencies.
Traffic personnel were also deployed to manage traffic and support the police in securing the area, while illegally parked vehicles along EDSA-White Plains Avenue would be towed and issued a ticket.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that its NCR‑based units remain in close coordination with the PNP and other concerned government agencies in monitoring the situation along EDSA.
“The AFP recognizes and respects the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble and express their views. At the same time, we underscore that all public activities must be conducted in accordance with existing laws, local regulations, and the necessary permits issued by the appropriate authorities,” AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
“We likewise encourage organizers to ensure that their activities do not unduly disrupt public order or cause unnecessary inconvenience to commuters, workers, students, and other members of the public,” he added.
Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and EDSA Busway likewise remain operational to serve commuters, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
This, despite INC protesters reportedly briefly blocking EDSA Busway with a bus along the northbound lane near White Plains.
“Nananatiling tuloy-tuloy ang operasyon ng lahat ng EDSA Busway stations sa kabila ng pagsikip ng daloy ng trapiko sa EDSA dahil sa nagaganap na rally sa People Power Monument ngayong araw,” DOTr said in a statement. (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
-jpv
