QUEZON CITY, Philippines —Thousands more members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) streamed toward the People Power Monument (PPM) and surrounding areas along White Plains Avenue on Wednesday as the church’s demonstration entered another day, prompting heightened security while Malacañang reiterated that it respects peaceful assembly but warned organizers against allowing “destabilizers” to exploit the gathering. (Inquirer.net)

Television footage and live updates throughout the day showed a steady influx of INC members arriving by buses, private vehicles, and on foot, expanding the crowd around the rally venue. The Quezon City government had earlier granted organizers a permit for the July 1 assembly after authorities projected that up to 100,000 participants could attend. (Inquirer.net)

Sources told this writer that, with or without a permit, the INC will stage a four- to five-day demonstration at the site and at Liwasang Bonifacio, two traditional sites where rallyists usually converge to express their anti-government sentiments. In both 1986 and 2001 revolts, groups from these sites were the ones who marched towards the palace after the defection of government officials.

It is not known why the INC planned a four- to five-day demonstration. Some say the rally will also extend until July 6, the day when the impeachment trial of another politician who enjoys church support, the Vice President Sara Duterte, formally opens at the Senate.

The growing turnout followed Tuesday’s surprise mobilization, which caught law enforcement off guard and caused major traffic disruptions on portions of EDSA and White Plains Avenue. Police earlier acknowledged that the abrupt nature of the initial gathering limited preparations, although authorities have since reinforced security around the rally site. (Inquirer.net)

Malacañang maintained that the government recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but appealed directly to church leaders to remain vigilant against groups that may attempt to hijack the demonstration for purposes beyond its declared objectives.

The Palace said intelligence and security agencies remain on alert, emphasizing that law enforcement personnel have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance while ensuring public safety and maintaining order. (Inquirer.net)

Organizers have consistently described the gathering as a peaceful expression of public concern over governance and accountability issues. Church representatives have also urged participants to remain disciplined throughout the demonstration. (ABS-CBN)

The rally has drawn nationwide attention because of the INC’s demonstrated ability to mobilize large numbers of members. In recent years, the religious organization has mounted several mass assemblies that attracted hundreds of thousands of participants, making it one of the country’s most influential civil society mobilization networks. (Wikipedia)

Traffic authorities continued to advise motorists to avoid portions of White Plains Avenue, EDSA, and nearby thoroughfares as road closures and rerouting measures remained in effect to accommodate the expanding crowd and ensure public safety. (ABS-CBN)

As of Wednesday afternoon, police reported no major untoward incidents at the venue, with officers deployed around the rally perimeter to manage pedestrian movement, traffic flow, and crowd security, while monitoring for signs that outside groups might attempt to disrupt the event. (Inquirer.net)