Press Undersecretary Claire Castro warned the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Tuesday, June 30, to be vigilant against those who may be using their rally along EDSA to destabilize the government, even as it stressed that the administration fully respects the religious group’s right to peaceful assembly.
In a press briefing, Castro said the government is aware of groups seeking to use the rally as cover for efforts to remove President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from office.
“Ang pakiusap po natin sa liderato ng INC, maging maingat din po sila at baka sila ay magamit ng ibang mga tao na ang naisin ay patalsikin ang Pangulo,” Castro said.
She said the administration does not believe the INC itself is behind any destabilization effort, noting that the group’s stated advocacy for transparency and accountability is one the President himself has long championed.
Castro also addressed circulating social media warnings about a possible march on Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, and Malacañang, saying the government would not dismiss these reports even if they turn out to be rumors.
“Kung ito man ay isang tsismis, isang pananakot, hindi naman po ito isasawalang-bahala lamang ng mga awtoridad natin,” she said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been directed to exercise maximum tolerance throughout the rally, with Castro reminding protesters not to provoke law enforcers.
Castro added that the rally’s possible extension until July 3 would not stop the government from urging participants to stay within the bounds of the law and avoid becoming instruments of those with destabilization motives.
