3,000 cops to secure INC charity walk tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines — At least 3,000 policemen will be deployed for the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)’s “Worldwide walk to fight poverty” in Manila tomorrow, a police official announced yesterday.

Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel said the police officers would secure the participants.

The event will be held at the Quirino Grandstand starting at around 4 a.m. 

Coronel said the east and westbound lane of Padre Burgos from Roxas Boulevard to Lagusnilad in front of the Manila city hall would be closed to motorists.

Walk vs poverty

The charity walk will be held simultaneously at 358 venues in 44 countries, including the Philippines across 18 time zones.

INC members will walk to press global action against poverty.

The walkathon is among the socio-civic programs of the religious group under the leadership of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo, designed to strengthen the bond between the congregations of the INC and the communities.

The Guinness World Record recognized the INC’s first worldwide walk in 2014 as the largest charity walk with 519,221 participants at 129 sites in 16 countries. The event raised funds for Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

INC general auditor Glicerio Santos Jr. said they expect to surpass the record.

“Voluntary contributions by INC members will go to the church’s beneficiaries. We hope to raise more funds for the livelihood and medical assistance programs of the INC in poor communites around the world,” Santos said.  

He said proceeds of this year’s event would be used to support the INC programs for its five resettlement communities in the Philippines as well as 22 eco-farming sites, including the one recently established in Ladybrand, South Africa.  

Mayor Joseph Estrada will join the event.

Estrada said the city government and INC have always been partners in helping the poor. – Jose Rodel Clapano