AFP chief urges INC to police own ranks amid reports of infiltration

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. called on the leadership of the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to police their own ranks and during the religious group's "Rally for Transparency, Accountability, Justice and Peace" in Metro Manila from Nov. 16 to 18 amid reports of possible infiltration by violent groups.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

In an ambush interview in Camp Aguinaldo, Brawner said the AFP was taking seriously the reports that certain individuals may attempt to infiltrate the gatherings. He warned that such scenarios could place peaceful participants at risk.

"As far as we are concerned, these rallies are peaceful rallies. We hope they remain truly peaceful because that is what the organizers have promised. But we are calling on them to secure and police their own ranks to make sure no one slips in," he said.

The military chief confirmed that the AFP has received reports of possible infiltration by violent groups like what happened during the Sept. 21 protest in Mendiola and Ayala Bridge in Manila where some protesters hurled molotov cocktails at riot policemen and burned public properties.

"We and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been receiving reports that there may be infiltrators, and that someone might even set off a grenade. That is frightening. Our peace-loving fellow citizens could get hurt in situations like that," Brawner said. "We are working with the PNP, which is investigating this, and as mentioned, the PNP as well as the AFP will be deploying personnel to ensure the safety of those who will go to and join the rallies."

PNP on highest alert since Nov. 14