(UPDATE) MORE than a million members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) converged at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday for a National Peace Rally, calling for national unity and calm as political tensions escalate.
According to a report by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the crowd swelled to 1.5 million by noon.
The PNP said the situation remained peaceful as the tally of attendees continued to increase.
Simultaneous rallies were also held in cities across the country, including Legazpi, Ilagan, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod in the Visayas; and Davao, Pagadian, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
The massive turnout reflected the INC’s ability to draw vast numbers in support of its call for peace. The crowd, composed of families, students, and elderly participants, carried banners and placards with messages like “Kapayapaan para sa Bayan” (Peace for the Nation) and “Pagkakaisa sa Gitna ng Pagsubok” (Unity Amid Challenges).
The peaceful atmosphere at the Quirino Grandstand mirrored the rally’s overarching theme. The absence of disturbances, as noted in the PNP’s report, stood in stark contrast to the political turbulence gripping the country.
However, while INC leaders maintained that the rally was apolitical and solely focused on fostering peace, many attendees expressed sentiments that blurred the lines between advocating for unity and supporting embattled Vice President Sara Duterte. Analysts saw the rally as an effort to shield the vice president from impeachment in connection with her alleged misuse of confidential funds, charges she has denied.
The INC opposes moves to impeach Duterte in the House of Representatives.
“There are many more things which our citizens need that must be attended to. These will not be achieved if all we see taking place is conflict,” church spokesman Edwil Zabala said ahead of the rally.
Duterte said the INC rally on Monday was a powerful show of unity.
Speaking in Filipino, Duterte thanked INC members for their “continued effort to bring understanding and unity to our countrymen.”
She said that amid poverty and other challenges, “a peaceful and united Philippines will never waver and will always rise amid the challenge of the times.”
Several participants interviewed by The Manila Times on Monday revealed their concerns about the impeachment complaints against Duterte. Many openly opposed the efforts to unseat her, citing the need to preserve government stability amid deepening divisions.
Early in the morning, 75-year-old Edgardo arrived with his wife and neighbors from Laguna. Holding a handwritten sign that read “Itigil ang Impeachment, Bigyan ng Kapayapaan ang Bayan” (Stop the Impeachment, Give Peace to the Nation), Ramos called on politicians to “not make the situation worse.
“The government needs to unite for the nation,” he said.
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Millions gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the Rally for Peace organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Kat and Christine, cousins from San Fernando in Pampanga, said they joined the rally to express their hopes for a unified and stable nation.
“Ang gulo-gulo na ng nangyayari. Parang wala nang nagkakasundo sa mga lider natin (Things are so chaotic now. It seems like none of our leaders can agree on anything),” Kat said, lamenting the chaotic political climate.
Christine echoed her cousin’s sentiments, saying that they joined the event to show they want unity.
“Kaya kami nandito ay para ipakita na gusto namin ng pagkakaisa. Suportado namin ang panawagan para sa kapayapaan (We’re here to show that we want unity. We support the call for peace),” she said.
Young attendees, such as 18-year-old students Carlo and Adrian from Taguig City, voiced their fears about the nation’s future.
“Kapag nagpatuloy ang hindi pagkakaunawaan, baka lalo pang magkagulo (If misunderstandings continue, the situation might worsen),” Carlo said.
“Sana po magkaisa ang mga lider natin para hindi maapektuhan ang mga Pilipino (I hope our leaders unite so Filipinos won’t be affected),” Adrian added.
Others traveled great distances to participate.
Nora, 63, from Antipolo City, arrived early with her friends, holding a sign that read “Kapayapaan para sa Bayan” (Peace for the Nation).
“Nandito kami para ipakita na mahalaga ang pagkakaisa. Ayaw naming magulo ang Pilipinas (We’re here to show that unity is important. We don’t want the Philippines to be in chaos),” she said.
Alfredo, a 72-year-old retired teacher from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, journeyed overnight with his family to join the rally.
“Hindi namin gusto ang impeachment. Kailangan magkaisa ang lahat para hindi lumala ang problema (We don’t want impeachment. Everyone needs to unite to prevent the problem from worsening),,” he said.
The rally unfolded against the backdrop of three impeachment complaints filed in the House of Representatives against Vice President Duterte.
During the rally, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said the local government of Manila is supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Duterte.
“The local government of Manila supports our President’s call regarding the impeachment,” Lacuna said in an interview at the Quirino Grandstand.
Lacuna said she attended the rally to join the church’s call for unity within the government.
“The City of Manila is here to join calls for unity and peace,” she said.
Malacañang expressed hope that the “National Rally for Peace” initiated by the INC would help clarify many issues being faced by the nation.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin made the remark as he reiterated that moving to peaceably assemble is a “bedrock right” of the people, recognized and guaranteed by the Constitution and respected by the present leadership.
The state disaster agency said extensive emergency response measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.
Edwin Nasol, vice president for disaster preparedness and emergency response of the Society Communicators and Networks (SCAN), said 17,000 emergency first responders from the INC were deployed to attend to all kinds of medical issues confronting the participants.
He said the comprehensive response team was supported by 120 personnel from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, who worked alongside two light urban search and rescue teams from the Philippine Army’s 525th Engineer Combat Battalion.
Additionally, 5,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police and 1,200 members of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were also on hand to maintain order and assist with crowd management.
The MMDA said they observed heavier traffic than usual from Monday morning until the afternoon, particularly along the Quiapo area in Manila, while the INC held a peace rally at the Quirino Grandstand.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said several streets saw increased traffic, particularly in Manila and Pasay.
The PNP said that as of 10 a.m., some 1.5 million people attended the gathering at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the INC rally.
Several roads were closed, too, to give way to the rally.
Also, Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia expressed support for the INC’s nationwide “peace rally,” even as he said he despised any attempt by political aspirants to use the gathering for their personal interest in relation to the upcoming midterm polls.
Garcia said the INC has all the good intentions in organizing the rally and should not be taken advantage of by grandstanding politicians to jumpstart their campaign for the coming May 12, 2025 national and local elections.
Sen. Imee Marcos, a staunch ally of the vice president, said the INC rally for peace was “not against” the separation between the Church and the State.
She made the remark as fellow senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald Dela Rosa attended the event held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
“The peace rally is sanctioned, and in fact, encouraged, by the free speech clause of our Constitution,” Marcos said.
Senate President Francis Escudero said, “A prayer rally for peace and unity in the country, I believe, is non-debatable. Who wouldn’t want that? I surely want that.”
WITH BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO, FRANCIS EARL CUETO, WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL, FRANCISCO TUYAY AND AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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