QUEZON CITY, June 30, 2026— The Philippine National Police on Tuesday monitored what security officials described as an “emergency rally” after an estimated more than 7,000 individuals, many identified as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), converged at the EDSA Shrine, causing heavy traffic congestion along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).

Police sources said the gathering rapidly expanded in the early hours of Tuesday following mobilization efforts that reportedly began the previous evening.

According to initial security reports obtained by authorities, groups of INC members were seen arriving near Camp Crame on Monday night. By around 3 a.m., additional participants had reportedly assembled before proceeding toward the EDSA Shrine, where the crowd continued to swell throughout the morning.

Initial police assessments indicate that many of those attending had also participated in two previous large-scale INC-related mobilizations, although authorities have yet to release an official breakdown of participating organizations or confirm the final crowd estimate.

The sudden gathering unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying political developments.

Earlier in the day, Samuel ‘Boying’ Remulla announced the filing of plunder charges against INC member and Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor, both widely regarded as political allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Public authorities have not officially linked Tuesday’s gathering to the Ombudsman’s announcement, and organizers had not issued a statement explaining the assembly’s purpose at press time.

The demonstration also comes just two days after a “White Ribbon Rally” organized by evangelical groups and only days before the scheduled impeachment trial of Sara Duterte, adding to an already charged political atmosphere.

Security officials are closely monitoring the convergence of successive mass mobilizations, noting that Metro Manila has witnessed multiple politically significant public assemblies in recent days. Authorities have not reported any major untoward incidents as of press time, although traffic along portions of EDSA has slowed considerably due to the influx of participants. Historical precedent shows that the EDSA Shrine has repeatedly served as a focal point for major political demonstrations across various sectors, including large mobilizations supported by INC members.

The PNP has deployed personnel to manage traffic, maintain public order, and coordinate with local government units while continuing to assess the evolving situation.

As of publication, police remained on heightened alert amid expectations that political activity in the National Capital Region could intensify in the days leading up to the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President. No official estimate had yet been released regarding how long the gathering would continue.