Menu
Menu
“Peace for the Philippines” and “INC for Unity” resonated across 13 locations nationwide during the National Rally for Peace on January 13, 2025, with an estimated crowd of over two million people.
In addition to the rally at the main site in Quirino Grandstand along Independence Road in Ermita, Manila, rallies of the same cause were held simultaneously in cities across the country, including Vigan (Ilocos), Legazpi (Albay), Ilagan (Isabela), and Puerto Princesa (Palawan) in Luzon; Cebu, Iloilo, Ormoc (Leyte), and Bacolod (Negros Occidental) in the Visayas; and Davao, Pagadian (Zamboanga del Sur), Butuan (Agusan del Norte), and Cagayan de Oro (Misamis Oriental) in Mindanao.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the estimated crowd at the Quirino Grandstand alone has reached 1.6 million people as of 12:00 PM.
Additionally, reports indicate that attendance at various sites in Luzon has surpassed 130,000, with over 40,000 in Legazpi, 30,000 in Puerto Princesa, and 60,000 in Ilagan. In the Visayas, the total number of attendees has exceeded 100,000, with 36,000 in Bacolod, more than 38,000 in Iloilo, and over 30,000 in Cebu. Meanwhile, in Mindanao, an estimated 230,000 people participated in the rally, including more than 30,000 in Cagayan de Oro and over 200,000 in Davao.
Despite the number of participants continuing to increase, the PNP reported that the situation at rallies across the country remains peaceful and orderly.
Starting as early as 1:00 AM on Monday, supporters of peace and unity gathered at their respective venues to join in a collective call for peace in the country.
Angelica Urbano, choir member from Local Congregation of Naval, Ecclesiastical District of CAMANAVA, who works as an auditor at a business management consulting firm in Makati, shared, “I looked forward to and prepared for this event. Early on, I requested leave from my job, and thank God, it was approved. This has been a truly memorable experience. Being part of this vast crowd of concerned citizens who care for our country is an honor as a Filipino. As a Christian, I firmly believe in the Bible’s teaching that in complete unity, we will find peace.”
“The number of attendees in this rally reflects the unity of the brethren to the Church Administration, which is in obedience to God’s will,” said Laiza Nacion, a choir member from the Bago Bantay Congregation, Central District. “We are grateful to God because, despite the large turnout, the event remains peaceful.”
Meanwhile, despite the inclement weather in Legazpi City, Albay, Madelyn Burcer, deaconess in the Bacacay Congregation, Albay District, made every effort to participate in the rally. Speaking on behalf of the brethren there, she shared, “The brethren were not deterred from joining the rally. They remained disciplined, and everyone made an effort to attend, even those coming from distant districts.”
To ensure security at each site, thousands of police personnel were deployed by the government. Several schools and government offices had previously announced suspension of their operations to accommodate the nationwide rally.
The rally for peace was organized to express the support of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) to the opinion of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that he is not in favor of the impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte because it is only a waste of time and will not be of help to any single Filipino. Hence, INC calls for government officials to unite and collaborate in resolving the numerous problems of the country, towards building a peaceful nation.
“This initiative is for the Filipino people. The peace that we are rallying for will benefit all of us,” said Brother Kenneth Ryzal Rendon, district multimedia adviser of the Davao Occidental District. “This goes to show that the Church Administration is indeed guided by the Holy Spirit for all they do is for the betterment of our country. Our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, is a primary advocate of peace in our nation. This peace is also what we need in upholding our constant services to God.”
According to an official statement of the INC, through Brother Bienvenido C. Santiago, General Evangelist of the Church, the said rally reflects the aspirations of the majority of Filipinos who desire a nation where peace and unity prevail.
Allohra Rubinos, choir member in the Bagong Silang V Congregation, Caloocan North District, expressed, “As a political science student, I find the growing poverty in our country to be a very pressing issue. Being here today is a defining experience for me as a Filipino. I stand with the hundreds of thousands of brethren in supporting the Church Administration and alongside fellow Filipinos who are dedicated to the betterment of our society.”
Modesto Bugnosen, deacon from the Congregation of Kias, Ecclesiastical District of Benguet, shared the same sentiment. He said, “Through this rally, we can express the true problems of this nation that should be prioritized. Through the unity of our brethren, the Filipino people gain more strength in calling for unity for the sake of the peace of the country.”
Retired professor Emil Poja, a head deacon from the Guinobatan Congregation, Albay District, believes the rally is both relevant and timely for the country. He shared, “It is important because the people are yearning for quality service from the government, and they want the needs of the citizens to be prioritized.”
As a government employee who works for the Albay Provincial Engineer’s Office, Ruelo Soriao, and a head deacon in Legazpi City, also expressed, “This rally is both right and timely because the Church Of Christ and everyone else only seek peace for our country. The nation’s problems cannot be solved if there are those who want to pit our leaders against each other.”
Non-members of the Church, who share the same goal of promoting a peaceful nation, also attended the rally. Among them was Ma. Liza Alito, 56, Catholic, from Brgy. 582 in Manila, who observed, “It is truly fitting that members of the Church Of Christ refer to each other as ‘brethren.’ They are very peaceful, and I was truly amazed by their sense of brotherhood.”
When asked if the rally was relevant, she shared, “It is very timely. Perhaps the government will hear us, because they know that when the Church Of Christ organizes a movement like this, it is truly united—something that has always been evident among them.”
Samuel Labausa, group overseer in the Maligaya Congregation, Caloocan North District, shared, “Attending the rally is not only an act of heroism for the future of our country, but, most importantly, an expression of our faith in the unity under the leadership of our Executive Minister.” He added that the sacrifice is worthwhile, as this effort is essential for the peace we need to continue living as law-abiding citizens and, above all, as faithful Christians.
“Whenever the Church Administration calls for an activity that requires our participation, my household and I are always ready to take part,” shared Sulycar Posas, finance officer from the Gordon Heights Congregation, Zambales South District. “So, when I heard about the rally, we made plans ahead of time. We didn’t want to neglect this important activity for our nation, but more importantly, for the sake of our service to the Lord.”
Christian Palmones, Children’s Worship Service (CWS) teacher from Labo, Camarines Norte, expressed feeling glad and honored to be part of this momentous occasion. “Seeing the brethren and fellow Filipinos united in one goal is a clear manifestation that our nation truly desires peace. Through God’s mercy, we can live peacefully, filled with love for one another.”
As the rally for peace continues, there is hope that those in power will hear and act on the sentiments being expressed by the participants. — With reports from INC News Section, District Multimedia Advisers and Directors
