QUEZON CITY, Philippines —Thousands of Filipinos from various religious denominations, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups marched along EDSA on Sunday in what organizers described as a united call for truth, accountability, and good governance.

The White Ribbon March, organized by the Inter-Religious Leaders’ Council together with several civic organizations, began with a Holy Mass at the EDSA Shrine before participants walked to the EDSA People Power Monument carrying white ribbons, banners, and placards urging government reforms and stronger measures against corruption.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) estimated the crowd at around 3,600 participants as of 3:30 p.m., although organizers said more marchers continued to arrive throughout the afternoon. Prior to the event, the Philippine National Police deployed more than 9,600 police personnel across Metro Manila to ensure public safety and manage traffic during the rally.

Participants marched from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument, wearing white and carrying ribbons that organizers said symbolize honesty, peace, and the collective demand for ethical leadership.

The gathering drew representatives from the Catholic Church, Protestant denominations, Muslim communities, Born Again Christian groups, and various civil society organizations, reflecting what organizers described as an interfaith movement seeking reforms in governance and public accountability.

The Holy Mass preceding the march was officiated by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, who urged Filipinos to reject corruption and remain engaged in promoting justice and responsible citizenship. Church leaders described the march as a peaceful expression of democratic participation rooted in moral responsibility.

Among those who joined the march were Makabayan president Liza Maza, former lawmakers Teddy Casiño and France Castro, and Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao. Several personalities from political and civic organizations were also seen participating in the procession.

Organizers said the White Ribbon Movement seeks to encourage citizens to speak out against corruption, political patronage, and poor governance while promoting electoral reforms and greater transparency in public service. The initiative was first announced earlier this month by religious leaders who called on Filipinos to participate regardless of political affiliation.

Throughout the march, participants chanted calls for accountability, with many carrying placards demanding that public officials involved in corruption be held responsible.

Traffic along portions of EDSA remained manageable as authorities implemented rerouting measures, including the opening of a zipper lane along White Plains Avenue. Police maintained a visible but generally non-confrontational presence throughout the activity, with no major security incidents reported.

Organizers said Sunday’s gathering forms part of a broader citizens’ movement aimed at strengthening democratic institutions through peaceful civic engagement. They also expressed hope that the White Ribbon Movement would continue beyond the march through community-based initiatives advocating integrity, transparency, and public accountability.