INC holds surprise EDSA ’emergency rally’ vs plunder raps; massive rush hour traffic gridlock hits Metro Manila 

MANILA, Philippines — A massive, unannounced protest organized by members of the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) paralyzed major parts of EDSA and surrounding thoroughfares on Tuesday morning, June 30, 2026, triggering severe traffic gridlock during the peak morning rush hour. Thousands of demonstrators gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, while simultaneous satellite assemblies were monitored at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, Greenhills in San Juan, and parts of Mandaluyong City. 

The surprise mobilization prompted the Philippine National Police (PNP) to place its nationwide units under full alert status, deploying nearly 6,000 security personnel to maintain order and secure key government installations. The emergency rally was staged in defense of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, an INC member, following an announcement by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that his office would file a non-bailable plunder complaint against the lawmaker in the Sandiganbayan over alleged campaign donations from the 2025 elections. 

INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala clarified that the group does not oppose the law itself but is standing up against “selective justice” and the bending of the law, demanding transparency, accountability, and justice. Authorities confirmed that the mass gathering caught them by surprise, with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III and MMDA Chairman Don Artes both stating that the organizers had no valid permit and failed to coordinate with local government units or traffic management agencies beforehand.

As the demonstration expanded, vehicular flow along Metro Manila’s main highway ground to a near-halt, forcing the MMDA to close several key road segments by 7:00 a.m., including the northbound EDSA Ortigas Service Road, both directions of the EDSA Ortigas Flyover, and the entirety of White Plains Avenue. In response to the growing congestion, MMDA GM Torre ordered the immediate towing of illegally parked vehicles belonging to rally participants that were constricting the roadways and blocking the EDSA Carousel bus lane. 

Chairman Artes issued an appeal to the protesters to respect the constitutional rights of commuters and daily wage earners, emphasizing that severe delays directly impact the livelihood of workers who rely on their daily wages to sustain their families. The situation grew tense around 8:30 a.m. when minor scuffles broke out between law enforcers and rallyists after several passenger buses were intentionally moved to block the northbound lanes of EDSA. 

According to police reports, the ensuing confrontation resulted in minor injuries to three police personnel and the arrest of at least two individuals for allegedly physical altercations with officers. Despite the friction, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated its directive for the PNP to observe maximum tolerance, balancing the public’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly with the state’s duty to protect public safety and keep critical transport infrastructure passable.