CEBU, Philippines — An estimated 25,000 participants gathered for the Peace and Unity Rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City yesterday. Former mayor Michael Rama was among those who attended.
The event, which concluded peacefully and successfully, drew support from individuals advocating for unity and stability in the country.
“Sa awa ng Diyos, naging matagumpay ang isinagawa nating rally. Nakita naman natin kung paano nagkaisa ang mga tao. Naging masigla ang pagtanggap ng mga dumalo. Kaya masasabi namin na matagumpay na matagumpay ang rally,” said Jomar Dueñas, chairman of the INC rally in Cebu, during a press conference after the event.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated the crowd at 25,000 as of 4:45 PM, though Dueñas declined to confirm the figure. The number of people who attended the rally was way below the 300,000 projected earlier by some of the organizers.
Police Major Efren Diaz Jr., the event commander, described the rally as "generally peaceful," with 230 uniformed police officers ensuring the safety and security of participants.
The rally was simultaneously held in other parts of the country, including Ilocos Sur, Ilagan City in Isabela, Agusan del Norte, Puerto Princesa City, Legazpi City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Ormoc City, Pagadian City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Butuan City, and Manila.
The gathering aimed to express opposition to the pending impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, which organizers argued would deepen national divisions. Dueñas emphasized that the event supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position against the impeachment of his vice president.
The rally, which lasted less than two hours, included not only INC members but also others calling for peace and unity. Some attendees arrived as early as January 12, bringing tents, mats, blankets, and folding beds to prepare for the event.
“Ganyan kami kung makikiisa sa panawagan ng pagkakaisa at kapayapaan,” Dueñas said.
Rama, who refers to himself as the "duly elected Cebu City mayor," was seen actively participating in the rally. In a separate interview, Rama stated that as an advocate for peace and unity, he joined the event to support its cause.
Notably, no politicians were allowed to speak on stage, as only rally officials addressed the attendees. The event underscored the INC's commitment to promoting national unity while opposing measures perceived as destabilizing. — (FREEMAN)