INC members told to occupy Edsa as a show of force, saying that they are more than 4,500. ARIES HEGINA/INQUIRER.net
Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos allowed the Iglesia ni Cristo protesters to extend their rally in the city until Monday morning. He did not mention the exact time.
In an announcement, Abalos said that he will allow the protesters to stay at the intersection of Edsa and Shaw Bvd. for “humanitarian reasons.”
While allowing them to extend their stay in the city, Abalos reiterated that the rally permit granted to the INC has expired effective 12 midnight on Sunday.
The mayor asked for the understanding of INC members for the nonrenewal of their permit.
“Sana maunawaan ninyo ako. Ang lugar na ito ay Edsa at ito ay main artery ng Manila (I hope that you will understand me. Edsa is the main artery of Metro Manila),” Abalos said.
The Mandaluyong mayor said that he will assist the protesters’ transfer to the city of Manila, where its mayor, Joseph Estrada, had granted the INC protesters a rally permit until Friday, Sept. 4.
“Magpalipas muna kayo ng gabi dito. Dahil nandito po kayo sa Mandaluyong, safe po kayo dito (You may pass the night here. You will be safe in Mandaluyong),” Abalos added.
The INC has not yet announced as of posting time where they would decide to hold their protest next. Aries Joseph Hegina/INQUIRER.net
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