• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

About 35,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo coming from ecclesiastical districts in Negros Island participated in the national peace rally in Bacolod City on January 13, according to the police.
INC members called for unity and peace amid political divisions in the country, displaying placards with messages such as “The INC is for Unity,” “Political fights is not Productive,” and “Peace for the Philippines,” among others.
The arrival of INC members from the different towns and cities of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, who traveled by passenger buses and private vehicles, at the vicinity of the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod City, started as early as Sunday night.
The Bacolod City government implemented temporary road closures from Cottage Road fronting the SSS Building to 15th Street, a portion of 6th street, and the North and South Capitol Roads.
The Philippine National Police reported that the peace rally in Bacolod City was generally peaceful.
In a statement, the INC reiterated that they support President Marcos’ stand against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“There are many more things which our citizens need that must be attended to. These will not be achieved if all we see taking place is conflict,” the INC stated.
Three impeachment complaints have been filed against Vice President Duterte in the House of Representatives
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday thanked the INC for organizing a national peace rally, tagging it as a “powerful display of unity and faith.”
In a video message during the event itself, Duterte praised the INC for their desire for unity and peace as they held the gathering, dubbed the “National Rally for Peace.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin hoped that the “National Rally for Peace” of the INC would help clarify issues and contribute to real unity.
In a statement, Bersamin said peaceful assembly is a “bedrock right guaranteed by our Constitution,” that the current administration consistently upholds.*