There was no prayer rally for members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Cebu City after their leaders decided to cancel it and other rallies nationwide early this morning.
INC members in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Dumaguete gathered for the march from their church in General Maxilom Avenue to Plaza Independencia but slowly dispersed after learning of the announcement.
“We are so thankful because we have been longing for this (peace). Mabuhay ang Iglesia Ni Cristo,” said Francis Torrejano who came from Bohol. He said there were 13,000 INC members from Bohol who attended yesterday.
“We did not mind if we walked from port until here (General Maxilom) and did not sleep. That’s how we support the INC,” Torrejano said.
Some members waited in the stations near Elizabeth Mall, Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia for the rally. At least 13 Ceres buses fetched INC members from Bacolod, Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO) operations chief Joy Tumulak said.
The regular traffic flow along General Maxilom Avenue was affected by the arrival of the INC members from the different provinces. At least 50 traffic enforcers were deployed from General Maxilom Avenue to Plaza Independencia, Tumulak said.
“Traffic was affected when they arrived at 8 a.m and during the time that they pulled out. There is light traffic as of this time (10:17 a.m),” Tumulak said.
They also monitored other INC members who stayed at Plaza Independencia for picnic and lunch. “They brought food because they thought they would stay long. They were allowed to stay within Plaza Independencia.,” Tumulak said.