OCD: Manila disaster response team on red alert for INC peace rally

The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) are on red alert for the “peace rally” of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on January 13.

A red alert means that all DRRMO and MMDRRMC personnel must be on duty around the clock to respond to emergencies.

In a statement on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense said this move aims to ensure comprehensive safety measures for the event, which is expected to draw up to a million participants to the Quirino Grandstand.

“Safety is our utmost priority as we prepare for this significant event. We have mobilized resources and personnel to ensure that every participant can engage in the rally peacefully and without concern,” said George Keyser, director of the Office of Civil Defense National Capital Region.

Edwin Nasol, vice president for Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response of the Society of Communicators and Networkers (SCAN) International also said 17,000 INC members will be deployed for emergency preparedness and response efforts.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will deploy 1,200 of its personnel for the peace rally.

Meanwhile, Manila Police District spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines said 3,000 police will be deployed all over Manila on Monday.

Over 120 personnel, along with two light urban search and rescue teams from the Philippine Army's 525th Engineer Combat Battalion (525th ECB), will also be present for the peace rally.

People have already started to arrive at the area a day ahead of the event, while the Commission on Elections urged candidates running for office in the upcoming elections not to campaign during the rally.

In December last year, the INC announced that it would hold a peace rally, saying that it backs President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s stance against impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte.

Marcos had said that impeaching Duterte would not benefit anyone, saying in a leaked text message that Duterte was "unimportant" in the larger scheme of things.

Three impeachment complaints have been filed against Duterte in connection with the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

The peace rally will be conducted in 13 sites across the country.

The Quezon City and Davao City local government units suspended work and classes on January 13, while Malacañang announced suspensions in Manila and Pasay. — BM, GMA Integrated News