Two police were hurt while four of the protesters were apprehended as tension erupted during the sudden rally launched by the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo along the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City early Tuesday.

The rally, which has drawn 15,500 as of 7 pm, is expected to continue throughout Tuesday night, said Major Hazel Asilo, National Capital Region Police Office spokesperson at Bilyonaryo News Channel.

''There is now word yet on when they will disperse,'' said Asilo.

Quezon City officials have the rally organizers a permit which will start July 1 8 am to 8 pm.The current rally has no permit.

In a separate interview, Asilo said the arrested protesters were placed under the custody of Quezon City Police District Station 8 while the injured police personnel were brought to the Philippine National Police Hospital for medical treatment.

One of those who were injured is a policewoman who was hit by a bus used by the protesters while a policeman was punched by the rallyist.

The INC rally is in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who will be charged with blunder this week, over his alleged receipt of P75 million as donation for his 2025 senatorial campaign which he reportedly did not declare.

''What we do not understand is why Senator Rodante Marcoleta who has been investigating the biggest graft and corruption in the country will be jailed,'' said Pastor Edwil Zabala, INC spokesperson.

He was referring to the massive flood control scandal where hundreds of millions of pesos were said to be stolen.

The Palace went on alert, forcing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to cancel several appearances including a press conference with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

Maj. Gen Anthony Aberin told Bilyonaryo News Channel that they received intelligence reports that there would be a rally but did not know when it will be held. Aberin said people began setting up the rally at 4:20 am.

Asilo said police in Metro Manila were placed under full alert after the protesters started to gather before dawn and blocked the traffic in front of the People Power Monument along EDSA before dawn.

A similar rally is being held at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

"When we are on full alert, all of our personnel are on call. All leaves are canceled except for emergency and sick leave. We will also set aside our scheduled days off for now to ensure that all personnel are ready whenever there is a need to deploy staff," she said.

Asilo said the police are coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to manage the traffic while negotiations with the organizer of the rally is ongoing, noting that the protest does not have a permit.

As of 11:45 am, Asilo said the crowd estimate in front of the EDSA People Power Monument has reached at least 11,000. As of 6 pm, the NCRPO said 15,000 people have assembled.

"That number is increasing, which is why we are also adding more police officers to provide security and ensure peace and order here," she said.

"The President is canceling his appearance at today's Presidential Luncheon to monitor the situation on EDSA," Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez stated in an email to the FOCAP officers and board members.

In a statement, Vice President Sara Duterte said that "the people gathered in EDSA today reflect a growing sentiment that I have consistently expressed since 2024".

"This administration has been defined by poor governance and its failure to acknowledge and address the country’s real problems. While countless of our kababayans struggle with rising prices, job insecurity, and the increasing cost of daily life, the President has remained detached from the hardships confronting Filipinos," she said.

"Instead of confronting these challenges with solutions, the administration has chosen to silence dissent under the guise of accountability," she added.

Duterte also accused the administration of weaponizing "the justice system by filing cases against and imprisoning individuals who dare speak out against alleged corruption and abuses in Malacañang, question the administration’s competence, or criticize the President, including allegations concerning his drug use."

"Such actions raise serious concerns about the state of free expression, democratic accountability, and the shrinking space for legitimate political dissent," she said.

"The President’s failures of character and leadership have fostered an increasingly oppressive political environment. A government that answers criticism with intimidation undermines the very democratic institutions it is sworn to protect," Duterte noted.

"This is no longer a matter of politics. It is a matter of the honor of the State and a future of a people who continue to bear the weight of economic hardship while their voices are increasingly met with repression," she added.

In close coordination with the concerned local government unit, the Department of Interior and Local Government ordered the PNP, "to exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures to help ensure that the activity remains peaceful, orderly, and safe for all" while calling those who are joining the rally to "exercise their rights responsibly".

"The DILG calls on all participants and stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the activity." it stated.

"The Department remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms of every Filipino," it added. Robina Asido/PHS