ASEANEWS HEADLINE-COURTS & CRIME | MANILA: AFP monitors INC lightning rally along EDSA; rejects calls to intervene with government affairs amid corruption woes

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday, June 30, that it closely monitored a lightning rally staged by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) along EDSA in Quezon City even as it reiterated that the military remains a “professional and non-partisan institution” amid calls from some sectors for intervention in government affairs.

In a statement, Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, chief of AFP public affairs office, said all military units based in the National Capital Region (NCR) coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies regarding the gathering.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its NCR-based units, remains in close coordination with the Philippine National Police and other concerned government agencies in monitoring the situation related to the reported lightning rally along EDSA,” the AFP said.

“The AFP recognizes and respects the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble and express their views,” it noted.

“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, with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies taking the lead in maintaining order,” the military added.

The PNP around 900 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were deployed near the People Power Monument in Quezon City after an estimated 8,000 INC members gathered in a surprise protest.

The INC earlier expressed support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who the Office of the Ombudsman said will be charged with a non-bailable plunder case before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly failing to disclose P75 million in campaign donations, which the Ombudsman argued were illegally received.

The assembly caused heavy traffic along the northbound lane of EDSA and in the White Plains area.

Police said the protesters did not have a permit for the gathering, however, authorities opted not to disperse the crowd and instead implemented maximum tolerance to avoid confrontation.

While police coordinated with protest organizers to keep portions of the roads passable, the AFP urged organizers to ensure that public activities would not adversely affect commuters and other road users.

“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,” the military said.

The AFP also rejected calls from certain groups for the military to intervene in national government functions over allegations of corruption.

“As a professional, non-partisan institution, the AFP remains committed to supporting national efforts that uphold peace, public safety, and the rule of law while respecting the rights and welfare of all Filipinos and safeguarding the stability of our democratic institutions,” it said.