3,000 cops deployed for July 27 launch of INC arena

CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines—The Central Luzon police command is deploying close to 3,000 policemen to secure and control traffic for the July 27 inauguration of the Philippine Dome Arena built by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Bocaue town.

Touted as the country’s biggest coliseum, the Dome Arena can sit 50,000 people and can draw much more at its opening, part of the INC’s centennial celebrations.

The coliseum was built on a 35,000-hectare INC property at Ciudad de Victoria, which straddles the Bulacan towns of Bocaue and Sta. Maria.

It will be the new center of INC activities, making Bocaue a hub of three major Christian denominations.

Most town residents are Roman Catholics. The headquarters of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) evangelical group has been in Barangay Bunlo since its founding 36 years ago.

Secretary Joel Villanueva, director-general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and son of JIL founder and president, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, said Bocaue can now be called the “faith capital of the country.”

All three religious faiths took part in the revival of the Pagoda float parade during the recent Krus sa Wawa Feast in Bocaue, he said.

The three churches have also invested in education. Aside from the Catholic schools operating in Bocaue, the town hosts a JIL Christian school and is anticipating the opening of INC’s New Era University campus.