By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Only half of the expected members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in Panay Island joined the National Rally for Peace held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City on Monday, January 13.
The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated that 15,000 INC members participated in the Panay-wide peace rally, falling short of the projected 30,000 attendees.
The rally aimed to promote peace and unity, with INC members expressing support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
It was part of a nationwide effort, with simultaneous events held in 13 locations across the country, including Iloilo City.
Ben, an INC member from Barotac Nuevo, emphasized that the event was about prioritizing progress over divisive issues.
“We are not siding with anyone because, for us, it’s more important to value the country’s development than focus on things that do not help our fellow countrymen,” he told Daily Guardian.
Victor Batay, another participant from North Baluarte, Iloilo City, echoed this sentiment.
“We are uniting with the call from our leaders to join this rally and work towards a better Philippines. We do not side with anyone. We are simply uniting. We do not have a comment on Marcos,” Batay said, emphasizing that the event was non-political.
To ensure safety, 661 law enforcement personnel and health responders were deployed. The event also mobilized 43 vehicles, including eight ambulances stationed at the venue.
The city government reported assisting 29 individuals during the rally, most of whom experienced dizziness, elevated blood pressure, or minor injuries from slips and falls.
Two patients required further medical care and were transported to the Western Visayas Medical Center.
