February 22, 2012 - Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome said on Wednesday that the PNP intends to deploy 500 of its personnel to provide security for the evangelical rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo scheduled for February 28 on the theme 'seeking justice'.

Bartolome clarified that this is part of standard operating procedure during big events such as prayer rallies. "Ang aming concern ay seguridad nila (Their security is our concern) from those who might take advantage. It's a religious activity so kinakailangan may security parin tayo doon (we need to provide security there)," he said.

Solar news tried to get in touch with the INC, but the leadership refused to give more details. A member of the religious group indicated that an estimated two to three million INC members, mostly from the National Capital Region and areas in Northern and Central Luzon, have been summoned to attend the rally.

Malacañang sees no threat

Officials in Malacañang have repeatedly expressed no undue concern about the potential security threat or implications of the prayer rally.

Political observers said they believe that the rally could be used to show support for impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona and his lead counsel, former Justice Serafin Cuevas, who is a prominent member of the INC.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Palace officials are in touch with leaders of INC, who explained that the event is not in any way political and that it will only be a bible and evangelical exposition of the group.

"We expect them to be true to their word and that it will be a religious activity and no other. Being a Church, we expect them to be truthful with their statements," Lacierda said.

Reportage from Miguel Ortilla