CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy thanked everyone who supported and cooperated during the successful and peaceful National Rally for Peace organized by Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) yesterday, January 13, in Divisoria.
According to the police, around 20,000 participants attended the rally in Cagayan de Oro alone.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), an estimated 1.8 million INC members joined similar peace rallies nationwide.
Mayor Uy expressed his gratitude to the previously reported over 30,000 INC members who gathered at Divisoria, as well as to the public for their patience and understanding, particularly motorists and business owners impacted by the road closures and the implementation of signal jamming in the area.
The mayor also expressed his appreciation to schools at both elementary and secondary levels for complying with the suspension of classes during the event.
Additionally, Uy extended his gratitude to the media for informing the public about important details regarding the rally and traffic updates.
The mayor commended the efforts of various city government offices, including the Roads and Traffic Administration, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, and the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office.
He also thanked the City Public Services Department, JR Borja General Hospital, City Mayor’s Office, City Information Office, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, and Task Force Oro, for maintaining security, cleanliness, and order during the event.
Temporary Traffic Changes Implemented
To ensure the smooth flow of the rally, the city implemented a temporary traffic scheme that included road closures starting at 8 pm on January 12 until 6 pm on January 13.
Roads around Plaza Divisoria were closed, and alternate routes were provided for public utility vehicles and private cars.
Temporary parking spaces were designated at Rio de Oro Boulevard for participants’ service vehicles.
Despite the disruptions, the city ensured that sidewalks in the affected areas remained accessible to the public and that emergency vehicles had access if needed.
Traffic flow returned to normal immediately after the rally concluded.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the police and Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched simultaneous ceremonial checkpoints in line with the start of the 2025 election period.
The activity was led by Police Regional Office-10 Regional Director PBGen. Jaysen De Guzman and Comelec Regional Director Renato Magbutay took place at Sitio Kinasanghan, Barangay Iponan.
The checkpoints are part of the implementation of the gun ban and other security measures for the upcoming national, local, and Barmm elections.
Key officials from the police, Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other agencies participated in the event.
Uy assured the public of the city government’s commitment to peace and order as the election season begins.
