THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has issued safety guidelines for attendees of the Iglesia Ni Cristo's (INC) nationwide peace rally scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025.
The event, which supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stance against the impeachment case filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, is expected to draw a huge number of participants.
DCPO reminded the public on Friday, January 10, to strictly follow the implemented safety protocols throughout the rally. Attendees are permitted to bring only essential items such as hats, fans, candies, crackers, extra shirts, and transparent water bottles. However, items like cigarettes, backpacks, jackets, alcohol, laser lights, firearms, drones, sharp objects, and even infants or small children are prohibited.
To ensure safety and order, Police Colonel Hansel Marantan, the DCPO city director, assured the deployment of nearly 1,000 personnel. He urged attendees to cooperate and act responsibly to uphold peace and make the gathering successful.
“Let us work together to ensure a safe and orderly peaceful event. Your cooperation and sense of responsibility are vital in upholding peace and making this significant gathering a success,” he said.
In Davao City, the rally is expected to draw around 500,000 INC members from across Mindanao, converging at San Pedro Square, San Pedro Street.
Road closures will be implemented to accommodate the event. A partial closure of streets including San Pedro Street, C.M. Recto Avenue, Pelayo Street, Iñigo Street, C. Bangoy Street, Rizal Street, Bonifacio Street, and Palma Gil Street will begin on January 11 at 9 p.m. and continue until 4 a.m. on January 12. On January 13, a full closure of these streets will begin at 8 a.m. and last until the program ends.
Additionally, a section of the Davao City Coastal Road between Tulip Drive and Bago Aplaya will also be partially closed on January 13.
Bong Estudillo, INC’s regional legal officer for the Davao Region, emphasized during a City Council meeting on January 7 that the event aims to advocate peace. He noted that focusing on more pressing national issues would be more beneficial for the country. DEF
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