The National Rally for Peace spearheaded by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) on January 13, 2025 was conducted successfully and peacefully, reflecting the very aim and spirit for which it was organized in the first place. True to its theme, this nationwide endeavor was held peacefully and orderly, with no major untoward incident reported.

The peace rally, which took place at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila and 12 other sites nationwide, was conducted to call on the whole nation to unite together for the sake of peace which is needed if the Philippines has to move further forward toward sustainable development. Understandably, it served to express the sentiment of the Filipino people for government leaders whom they voted for into office, to prioritize addressing pressing problems affecting the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

Speeches of peace, unity

The main program of the rally commenced with the singing of the national anthem at half past three in the afternoon. Then, on behalf not only of Church Of Christ but also of the whole Filipino nation, speeches giving voice to the appeal not only of those gathered but of other Filipinos were delivered in Quirino Grandstand and livestreamed to the other sites.

“There is that saying ‘united we stand; divided we fall.’ To the best of our ability, we who are gathered here today will not allow that ‘divided we fall.’ That is why we unite our call to those in governmental position that may they not allow for such to happen in our country,” said Brother Rommel Topacio, the first speaker. Following him was Brother Edwil Zabala, the Church’s spokesperson.

Aside from expressing support to the President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s opinion 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, Brother Zabala emphasized that “the aim of this rally is for peace of our country. True peace can only be achieved if the law will be respected and implemented. We are not against any kind of due [governmental] process as long as it is in accordance with and obey the law.”

To give light to the importance of implementing and obeying the rule of law in order to foster peace, which is necessary to solve the many pressing issues the country faces, attorney Rodante Marcoleta delved on the said issues at hand.

Biblical stance
The National Rally for Peace served as an avenue to point out the importance of looking out of the interest of other people more than one’s selfish ambition, among others (Phil. 2:3-4).

“Such verses should remind us all, especially those who are in position of power, whose duty is to serve the citizen’s welfare, that service should be done not for one’s own benefit or interests. It should not be done with the aim to sow discord or to gain power. Perhaps, no one would look for such kind of leader,” explained Brother Rommel Topacio.

Brother Arnel A. Tumanan, also a minister of the gospel, made it clear in his speech that it is a biblical injunction to “submit to those in authority or the country’s government” and he pointed out that it is what the Iglesia Ni Cristo members faithfully obey.
‘2M plus-strong’ crowd

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 1.6 million estimated crowd at the Quirino Grandstand alone, as of 12:00 PM, when more people kept coming there prior to the main program by 3:30PM. By the end of the event, various media outlets reported ‘about 2M’ attendance in the main venue. Such swell does not include yet those gathered at the 12 other sites, with about 500,000 in attendance overall.

With the INC members in attendance were “various sectors of the society, different religions, organizations, and government agencies,” attested Brother Tumanan during his speech on the Church’s behalf.

‘Peaceful’

“It was conducted peacefully,” attested the PNP. With an estimate total of 8,000 personnel deployed nationwide, the PNP stationed 5,500 of the said figure around the main venue.

The Church’s Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) and Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) collaborated with the PNP in ensuring the security throughout the day.

Regarding the Ormoc venue’s cleanliness, “the attendees were disciplined as they already put their litter in trash bags, disposing these properly,” local government unit cleaner Timotea Pandan, 64, Catholic, observed. The same attention was given by brethren in other sites, making sure to leave the venue of the rally free from trash.

Citizens’ sentiments

“It feels so happy to see my brothers and sisters in the faith from other places just to achieve our same goal of unity,” expressed Carmencita Liao, choir member from the Local Congregation of Sampaloc, Manila. Though she had to take a leave from work to unite with the rally, she said, “This rally is so important as it can help a lot to call for our leaders in the government to unite and take action for the progress of our country.”
“Life is already hard. That is why peace for the country’s sake is so important,” said Liwayway Pangasian, 65, congregation secretary in Bayanbayanan Congregation, Marikina District. “This rally is our way of saying to our government leaders that we are aware of the problems besetting our country. More than their personal interests, we hope that they will do what they must, being the call of their duty, which will lead to peace and progress for our country.” — With reports from INC News Section and District Multimedia Advisers and Directors