FALSE: PNP to block vehicles bound for INC anniversary, especially those from Bicol

Jessie Marco Cabrera

A Facebook post implied that the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced it would stop vehicles bound to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) anniversary, particularly those coming from the Bicol Region.

CLAIM:

The post claimed that the PNP would prevent vehicles, especially those from Bicol, from travelling to attend the INC anniversary celebration.

RATING:

False

CONCLUSION:

There is no official PNP announcement stating that vehicles going to the INC anniversary would be blocked. Instead, the PNP said it was coordinating with the religious group to ensure security and manage traffic during the church’s anniversary, which coincides with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.

THE FACTS:

• PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police would coordinate with the Iglesia ni Cristo regarding security, crowd management, and traffic plans for the anniversary activities. He did not announce a policy to stop vehicles from attending the event.
• The PNP said it would deploy personnel, establish traffic management measures, and prepare security arrangements for both the INC anniversary and the SONA.
• The post provides no screenshot or link to its sources. No official statement from the PNP or other government agencies supports their claim.

BOTTOMLINE:

The claim is false. The PNP did not announce a ban on vehicles travelling to the group’s anniversary.