'Surprise' rally at EDSA People Power Monument causes huge traffic jam

MANILA – Thousands of protesters staged a "surprise" rally at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City early Tuesday morning, causing heavy traffic.

According to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, all participants were members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). "We asked them earlier and as far as I know, they are members of the INC. There are no other groups present," he said.

900 police officers were deployed to the rally site. Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., and his command group said they will "oversee police operations to ensure public safety, maintain the orderly flow of traffic, and keep the situation peaceful while respecting the rights of those involved."

Rally participants and vehicles blocking the road caused massive traffic congestion along the northbound lanes of EDSA and the White Plains area. Aberin explained, "We asked the organizers to keep the roads cleared and they agreed."

He also said,"We will be observing maximum tolerance and we will be asking them to keep the roads clear for traffic."

Aberin suggested that motorists to avoid the area and take other routes.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cancelled two engagements to monitor the rally along EDSA.

The president was scheduled to attend the inauguration of the MV Nilad, state-of-the-art marine cleanup ship, in Port Area.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez delivered his inauguration speech instead.

Marcos also cancelled his attendance at Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines Presidential Luncheon at Makati Shangri-La scheduled on Tuesday noon.

Malacañan Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos is given updates on the protest rally regularly as he himself monitors the situation.

Castro said, “Nagmo-monitor po ang Pangulo sa ngayon sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Patuloy na inaalam ang nangyayari sa mga kababayan natin na naantala sa paglalakbay at pagtatrabaho dahil sa nangyayari sa EDSA (The President is currently monitoring the situation. He continues to be informed about what is happening to our fellow citizens whose travel and work have been delayed due to the situation in EDSA).”