DAVAO CITY — Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday thanked the Iglesia Ni Cristo and its executive minister, Eduardo Manalo, for organizing the "National Rally for Peace" on Monday, which attracted around 1.5 million attendees at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila alone.

"This is what our country needs in these critical times. Not impeachment. Not a waste of government resources. Not self-serving schemes. Not divisive action. We must unite. We must move forward as one," Duterte said in a video message.

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INC earlier said that it supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s opposition to Vice President Sara Duterte's possible impeachment. 

It has insisted that the gathering was not a show of force against lawmakers who wanted to oust the younger Duterte, who is widely seen as a possible contender in the 2028 presidential elections.

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The elder Duterte acknowledged the attendees of the peace rally, saying their involvement highlighted their genuine concern and commitment to the nation.

"Amid all the noise, let us be purposeful and ensure the meaningful future of our children and our children's children," he said.

"Let us demand what is due our people. Let there be strong and resolute leadership in our country. Let us all unite under our flag!" he added.

The former president halfway into his term appointed Manalo as his special envoy for overseas Filipinos concerns. Manalo was reappointed by Marcos to the same position in 2023.

Before his term ended in 2022, the then-chief executive visited the leadership of INC. In October last year, the Duterte patriarch, together with Sen. Bong Go, again met with Manalo. 

INC endorsed Duterte's presidential bid in 2016. He is running for Davao City mayor in the May polls. 

Ex-president Duterte, Bong Go meet with INC leader Eduardo Manalo

DAVAO PRAYER RALLY

Meanwhile, some local officials also attended a peace rally in Davao City.

Among them was Davao City mayoral aspirant Karlo Nograles, who was spotted backstage shaking hands with some Iglesia members.

"Kay kita nagtuo nga ang makatambayayong ang kalinaw ug kalamboan. Daghang salamat sa pag-imbita kanako nga makauban kamo. (I believe that being united can bring peace and progress. Thank you very much for inviting me to join you)," he said in a Facebook post.

The Davao City Police reported an estimated crowd of over 320,000 attendees at the peace rally in Davao City on Monday.

Authorities reported no untoward incidents. However, some 200 individuals needed medical interventions due to body weakness and dizziness.

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