Police remain on alert as peace rally moves to Manila

The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to enforce the law with absolute impartiality after the Quezon City government revoked the rally permit for the scheduled assembly of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) religious group on Thursday (July 2, 2026).

The Manila Police District issued a traffic rerouting advisory on Thursday as the venue of the gathering was transferred to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

According to the City Government of Manila, Liwasang Bonifacio is a "freedom park" and no permits are required for gatherings such as the "Peace Rally 2026" of INC.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, during a livestream on his social media on July 2, said “The city government recognizes the right of everyone to free speech here in the City of Manila.”

The Manila Police District (MPD), on its Facebook page, issued an advisory on road closures due to "Peace Rally 2026."

From 4:00 a.m. onwards on July 2, the affected areas include:

CRB Mendiola

— C. M. Recto Avenue from Nicanor Reyes Street to Mendiola Street

— Legarda Street from Figueras Street to San Rafael Street

Liwasang Bonifacio

— Magallanes Drive from Jones Bridge to MacArthur Bridge

Ayala Bridge

— Ayala Bridge

— Eastbound lane of Ayala Boulevard from San Marcelino Street to Romualdez Street

Source: Manila Police District Facebook Page

REROUTING OF VEHICLES

CRB Mendiola

1. All vehicles coming from Quezon Boulevard and C. M. Recto Avenue going to Mendiola Street mustturn left on Nicanor Reyes Street.

2. All vehicles coming from Sta. Mesa via Legarda Street going to C. M. Recto Avenue must turn right on Figueras Street straight to Earnshaw Street, then turn left on Sergio H. Loyola Street to point of destination.

3. All vehicles coming from P. Casal Street going to Mendiola Street must turn left on San Rafael Street and head straight to Bilibid Viejo Street going to Quezon Boulevard.

Liwasang Bonifacio

1. All vehicles coming from P. Burgos Avenue (northbound lane) going to Magallanes Drive must go straight to Jones Bridge.

2. All vehicles coming from C. Muñoz Street may pass by P. Burgos Avenue.

3. All vehicles coming from MacArthur Bridge going to Magallanes Drive must go straight to P. Burgos Avenue (southbound lane).

Ayala Bridge

1. Vehicles coming from Romualdez Street going to Ayala Bridge must turn left on Ayala Boulevard, then turn right on Taft Avenue to point of destination or go straight to Natividad Lopez Street, then turn right on A. Villegas Street, then left on C. Muñoz Street.

2. Vehicles coming from San Marcelino Street going to Ayala Bridge shall turn right on Ayala Boulevard, then turn right on Taft Avenue tor go straight to San Marcelino Street, then turn left on U. N. Avenue to point of destination.

3. Vehicles coming from Ayala Boulevard (eastbound lane) going to Ayala Bridge must turn left on Natividad Lopez Street to point of destination.

4. Vehicles coming from Carlos Palanca Street intending to use Ayala Bridge shall turn left on P. Casal Street to point of destination.

5. Vehicles coming from P. Casal Street going to Ayala Bridge must turn right on Carlos Palanca Street to point of destination.

STILL ON ALERT

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to maintain sufficient deployment in areas where gatherings may occur.

According to a report of the Philippine News Agency, Nartatez said police forces, particularly in Metro Manila and surrounding regions, will remain on high alert even as protesters relocated their activities to Liwasang Bonifacio.

As Liwasang Bonifacio is located in a high-traffic area of Manila, Nartatez called on the protesters to remain mindful of the rights of the public in the new rally site.

-Paraluman News