10 Jan 2025 | 07:56 AM UTC
Philippines: Christian sect plans nationwide rallies Jan. 13
Christian sect to lead rallies across Philippines Jan. 13. Tight security, disruptions likely, especially in Manila and Davao.
Christian organization Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) plans to stage rallies in multiple cities nationwide Jan. 13 to call for peace and oppose the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Specific timing details are unavailable; organizers will likely confirm closer to the protest date. The largest rallies will occur at Liwasang Bonifacio (Bonifacio Square) in Manila and Rizal Park in Davao, where tens of thousands of protesters could gather. Employees may experience difficulties in reaching workplaces in Davao and Manila. Davao and Manila city governments have declared school and government office closures, Organizers have also announced rallies at the following locations:
Bacolod: Capitol Park and Lagoon
Butuan: Butuan City Sports Complex
Cagayan de Oro: Plaza Divisoria
Cebu: Cebu South Road Properties
Iloilo: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand
Ilagan, Isabela: City of Ilagan Sports Complex
Legazpi: Sawangan Park
Puerto Princesa, Palawan: Don Pedro Vicente Park
Additional protests are likely in other cities; organizers may announce details at short notice. Likely protest venues include stadiums, parks, plazas, notable landmarks, and major thoroughfares. Hundreds to thousands of people could attend gatherings in major cities.
Authorities will probably deploy hundreds of additional personnel to secure the rallies and impose road closures around the rallies, especially in Manila and Davao. Significant transport and business disruptions are likely in Manila and Davao; localized disruptions are probable at other rallies as a large number of people arrive at and depart the venue. Clashes between activists and police are possible.
Avoid all protests as a precaution and to minimize travel delays. Plan accordingly for localized business and transport disruptions Jan. 13, especially near the rallies in Manila and Davao City. Confirm business appointments through Jan 13. Monitor local media for updates on road conditions. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
