2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy

The 2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy is a dispute between senior members of the Christian denomination Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). In July 2015, it was reported that the INC had expelled some of its ministers, along with high-profile members Felix Nathaniel "Angel" and Cristina "Tenny" Manalo. Angel is the brother of current INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and Tenny is the mother of Eduardo, and widow of former Executive Minister Eraño Manalo.[1]

Angel and Tenny were expelled from the INC for "sowing disunity" in the Church. The INC administration released a statement claiming that Eduardo agreed to the expulsion of his brother and mother from the INC, as decided upon by its overall leadership.[1] However, both Angel and Tenny claimed their lives were threatened by the Iglesia's administration. Angel and Tenny are reportedly being illegally detained at the Iglesia's Central Office Complex in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, and that at least ten ministers of the Church are missing and alleged to have been abducted.[2]

Former INC ministers Roel Rosal and Isaias Samson, Jr., claim the Sanggunián (the highest administrative council of the INC) had unlawfully abducted and detained ministers, along with members of the Manalo family, in order to cover up corruption surrounding the Iglesia's chief auditor, Glicerio "Jun" Santos, Jr.[3] On July 24, 2015, the Iglesia ni Cristo, represented by Glicerio B. Santos, IV, head counsel of the INC and son of Santos, Jr.[4] filed a libel complaint against Samson.[5] Detained INC minister Lowell Menorca states that he was forcibly detained by the INC administration, and was kidnapped at gunpoint by police officers in the employ of INC leaders and was forced to deny his captivity under duress.[6]

Overview

Angel and Tenny Manalo

On July 22, 2015, a video was uploaded to YouTube featuring Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo, the brother to nominal INC leader Eduardo V. Manalo and a former General Manager of GemNet (formerly the TV station of INC, replaced by INCTV), along with his mother, Cristina "Tenny" Manalo, the widow of Eraño Manalo.[7] In the video, they claim their lives have been threatened by the Iglesia leadership, along with that of Angel's sister, Lottie Hemedez. Tenny Manalo also states that there has been a mass kidnapping of ministers that have not been accounted for, implying that their disappearance are somehow traced to the INC leadership, and that she has not been able to speak to Eduardo V. Manalo.[8]

However, the Iglesia ni Cristo denies the claims. Bienvenido Santiago, the chief evangelist of the Iglesia ni Cristo, announced a few hours after the video's release that the Iglesia ni Cristo was expelling Cristina "Tenny" Manalo, along with Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo, for allegedly causing divisions in the Church and wanting to seize power.[9] Santiago claims that their video was a sympathy ploy to gather support to meddle in the leadership of the INC and that the INC administration is acting on the wishes of Eduardo V. Manalo to prevent discord in the Church and upholding their rules. Edwil Zabala, a spokesman for the INC has also stated that the INC would consider having Tenny and Angel Manalo return to the Church if they would pledge to uphold and obey their teachings.[10] Marco Eraño "Marc" Villanueva Manalo and Lolita "Lottie" Manalo Hemedez, the younger siblings of Eduardo and Angel, were also expelled.[11]

After the response from the INC, an unidentified individual was photographed later in the day holding up a sign saying "Tulong, hostage kami" (Tagalog: Help, we're [held] hostage) in a building that is part of the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.[12] When contacted regarding the hostage allegations at the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office by reporters at the gate of the Central Office, INC spokesman Edwil Zabala met reporters and referred them to a CD recording of Santiago's statement regarding the expulsion of Cristina and Felix Nathaniel Manalo.

In a press briefing that same afternoon, Santiago confirmed to the public that Angel and Tenny Manalo were expelled from the Church. Santiago said in Tagalog, "Painful as it is to our brother Eduardo Manalo, they have decided to expel those who have been causing division within the Church. That is why in future worship services of the Church of Christ, from this day, the Overall Leadership will let this be known by all of our brothers".[13]

Angel Manalo has criticized the Church's decision to build the Philippine Arena and suggested that funds used to build the sports venue could have been used to build more houses of worship.[14]

The Philippine National Police, through its Quezon City Police District (QCPD), sent its personnel to the INC compound on July 23. They were able to contact Angel in the evening, and Angel himself talked to the reporters around 1:00 PST, denying he was detained and saying that sign pleading for help was done by a child joking around. QCPD Joel Pagdilao said that the police is ruling out case of abduction and described the concerned persons inside as peaceful and free.[15][16]

Angel Manalo also spoke to the reporters and criticized the Church's Sanggunian, denied that he is challenging the leadership of his brother, Eduardo Manalo. He also advised his brother Eduardo against trusting people within the Sanggunian he alleged to be corrupt. He also criticized the decision's to build the Philippine Arena instead of more houses of worship. He lamented the situation that his Church is facing saying in Tagalog, "Why is it that these days, there are many anomalies? Others might say we're challenging our brother. No, we love our brother. But our problem is with people around him." He added "The doctrine of the Iglesia ni Cristo is now damaged. In the same way that you looked up to us before, now you can see there are many anomalies. There are many acts of corruption in the Church. That's what we want to avoid" [14]

INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala dismissed Manalo's allegations of corruption and questioned the truthfulness of his claims and said in Tagalog, "If they suddenly changed tune on the supposed hostage-taking, what other allegations would turn out to be fabricated?".[14]

On December 15, 2015, several guards placed by the church prevented Manalo and his housekeepers from allowing members of the media to enter their ancestral house in Tandang Sora, following after the inspection of the sheriff of the Quezon City RTC.[17] The court inspection on the #36 Tandang Sora property was requested by the church officials in order to identify the occupants of the said property, following reports that unknown masked and hooded persons were going in and out of the compound which is right beside the INC's central office, as well as in response to several ex-Marines who tried to go inside the INC Compound which were led by renegade soldier Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, and who were only stopped by INC security. INC spokesman Zabala also claim that the #36 TS property is owned by INC.[18] Angel Manalo also protested the construction of the high fences in the compound.[19] On the following day, the Quezon City RTC branch 22, ordered the INC to restore the electricity supply of the compound, remove and dismantle the blocking fences within the compound, and the guardhouse and portalet that blocked the vehicle gate #3 of the Manalo's home.[20] The lawyers represented INC, has yet to file a motion for reconsideration with motion to repudiate the agreement against the Manalos for alleged lying in the court.[21]

INC planned to filed an ejectment case against Angel Manalo and Lottie Hemedez if the sibling will refused to obey the order to leave their residence in Tandang Sora.[22]

Ministers

That same day, there were allegations from former and current INC ministers of abduction and holding the Manalo family hostage. Roel Rosal, a former Iglesia ni Cristo minister who states him and his wife were expelled from the church for trying to expose corruption,[23] made a public statement that there are ten ministers along with Manalo family members being held under house arrest at the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office, at the behest of INC auditor general Glicerio B. "Jun" Santos, Jr. in order to prevent the revelation of financial corruption by Santos and his staff. Rosal claims that Santos has pilfered and misused church offerings, and is holding the Manalos for "revenge."[24] Supporters of Tenny and Angel Manalo gathered outside the compound demanding to know the whereabouts of the Manalos and missing ministers. GMA News reported that they saw an individual resembling Angel Manalo inside of the house, along with guards wielding long firearms.[25]

Dasmariñas the city where INC minister Menorca was reported to have been arrested.

At least ten ministers are reported to be missing according to expelled minister Roel Rosal.[2] One of the reported ministers, Lowell Menorca II was reported to be arrested by the Philippine National Police in Dasmariñas after two construction workers were allegedly threatened by Menorca with a grenade. Menorca's lawyer, Allen Blair Boy from the of the New Era University Legal Aid, questioned him if he was abducted and Boy said that Menorca told him that he was indeed arrested.It is not clear why he was in Dasmariñas because Menorca is based in Sorsogon.[26]

On July 29, 2015, Rosal reiterated his claims against the INC leadership. He also states that the Quezon City Police are taking sides in the conflict by supporting the INC administration, and denying Angel and Tenny Manalo deliveries of food and water, paid for by members that support them. Rosal also claims that the captives in the Manalo compound are running out of food and water.[27]

In a press conference held in July 23, INC minister Isaias Samson, Jr. cited Menorca's case alleging that the military picked him up from Sorsogon to Dasmariñas. He said that the missing ministers were being held in Rosalia Compound and Caringal in Quezon City.[28]

Arnel Tumanan,[1] Joven Sepillo of Tacloban, and Nolan Olarte of Cebu are among the other reported missing ministers.[29]

INC, thru Atty. Serafin Cuevas, Jr., had also filed two counts of libel charges against Samson and Joy Yuson, former administrative coordinator of GEM TV, the then-TV arm of INC, for accusing INC and its Sanggunian members of being involved in various anomalies and alleged abductions of several ministers,[30] preliminary investigations for the said case started on September 16, 2015 at the Quezon City RTC.[31]

Menorca, on his latest video released on October 23, 2015, few days after he was allegedly rescued from abduction by the Sanggunian and the filing of writ of habeas corpus by his brother Anthony and sister-in-law Jungko Azuka, supported the claim that he was abducted and illegally detained spanning 3 months (July 25-October 21) in the Central Compound together with his wife, kids and housekeeper, and orchastrated by the Sanggunian of the church. He further claims that he and his family never asked to the Church's administration to give them a house, or to be put into protective custody. The supposed rescue of the Menorca Family from the captives, was first supported by Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles, the lawyer of the INC's expelled ministers, including Jun Samson.[32]

In the days passed under the alleged illegal detention, they claim to have not been allowed to leave the premises of the place nor had the right to accept guests. Cellphones and gadgets were also said to not be allowed in the premises. All of these were supposedly against their own will. He feared that after the video, the church will expelled him and his family, but he will accept and conquer the trials to stand for justice and truth. After the video was uploaded, he and his family were expelled by the Iglesia ni Cristo due to fighting against the church's administration. The expulsion papers was signed by minister Radel Cortez.[33]

Isaias Samson, Jr.

Isaias Samson, Jr., a second-generation INC minister, former Sanggunian member, head of Foreign Department but later on demoted (due to some cases in his department) to be an editor of the Iglesia ni Cristo's Pasugo magazine (a mere section of INC's Evangelism Department) and part of the Philippine government's Official Prayer Day and regular minister during prayers in SONA, held a press conference on July 23 confirming the detention, stating that him and his family were placed under house arrest under the supervision of armed guards with heavily-powered firearms by the INC administration, with the knowing involvement of military and police officials. Samson has expressed the opinion that he was detained because of his opposition to Santos and gave a rough estimate of the amount of fund misused by Santos in the "millions" of pesos but he gave no evidences. Samson also stated that communication from the outside world was cut off, and passports, computers, phones and other electronic devices were taken, and he was accused by INC leadership of being "Antonio Ebangelista," a pseudonym used by a minister who has written critical articles which reveal online details on Church administration and Santos, a charge Samson denies. Samson and his family managed to escape by telling the guards they wanted to go to church service, and drove off to an undisclosed location. Samson described his imprisonment as "unlawful detention," and has called some in the INC administration "dishonest," but retains his faith in the INC.[3] Samson has since stated that there is corruption within the INC leadership regarding misuse of funds, such as in the "Lingap sa Mamamayan" fund, use of private planes and oil business. On July 25, 2015, INC spokesman Edwil Zabala stated that Samson and his family were expelled from the church for refusing to submit to authority.[34]

He was replaced by Dennis C. Lovendino, a minister who become the new editor of Pasugo since the June 2015 issue.

In a separate interview with CNN Philippines show News.PH, INC Spokesperson Zabala said that the so-called house arrest of the family of Samson, Jr. is a disciplinary act within the Church(preventive suspension) in which Samson was during that time is under an investigation, due to his connection to the group in the Social media that allegedly revealing corruption issues inside the church.

In November 17, the DOJ had junked the criminal raps filed by Samson and fellow expelled member Lito de Luna Fruto against the INC leaders for not having probable cause to charge them in court. Both Samson and Fruto accused INC for holding them against their will by the INC leadership for supposed exposing the alleged corruption issues in the church.[35]

Investigations

On July 24, the Department of Justice has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate allegations of abduction of Iglesia ni Cristo members. However it added that it would not interfere with reported dispute among the leaders of the church.[36][37] On July 27, in a statement by Manuel Eduarte, chief of the NBI Anti-Organized Transnational Crime Division, said that the NBI concluded that there is no sufficient evidence that the Iglesia ni Cristo abducted some of its ministers.[38] However, on July 29, Justice department secretary Leila de Lima clarified that the case is yet to be closed and while initial findings concluded that there is no evidence for the alleged abductions the NBI is still verifying reports.[39]

Vice President Jejomar Binay criticized de Lima for the "unwarranted statements" for asserting to the public that the case is not yet closed and took note of her statement which contradicts the reported findings of NBI Anti-Organized Transnational Crime Division. "By your actuations, you are promoting the image of disunity, discord and even corruption in the INC to its clear prejudice and detriment," Binay said regarding his views on De Lima's statements. He said that De Lima must respect the separation of church and state and "unwarranted interference" from the government to the church must not happen. Binay also describe De Lima's dealings with the Iglesia ni Cristo controversy as similar to what he describes as a "policy of demolition" targeted towards his own person.[40]

Protests in response to the investigation

On late evening of August 27, about 2,000 Iglesia members led by INC spokesman, Edwil Zabala held a vigil outside the Department of Justice office until they moved to EDSA. The demonstrators protested against the government agency, led by De Lima, for allegedly persecuting their church and called for upholding the separation of church and state. They also called for the agency to prioritize more important issues.[41]

Reactions

Iglesia ni Cristo

Religious leaders

INC general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago in a press briefing held in July 23, responding to the allegations made by Angel and Teny Manalo in a video taken on July 22, dismissed the accusations that some INC ministers were abducted and he claimed that the two is framing the church to make it appear that it is involved in the abductions of its own ministers. He also added that the video is an attempt of the two to rally support from the church's members and to distract the church's management. Santiago said that the church's decision to expel the two Manalos is to let it be known that the INC is not a family corporation and asserts that the INC is a religion that follows the teachings of God found in the Bible.[13]

In a morning Sunday worship in July 26, it is reported that INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo addressed the church's members with the key message of strictly following the church's leadership and rules for one's salvation.[42]

The media reported that an INC member said that local ministers in the provinces issued a set of tagubilin (instructions) towards the church's members during the weekend ahead of the church's 101 anniversary celebrations to be held in July 26 in Ciudad de Victoria complex in Bulacan. Among these reported instructions were; instructing its members to decline inquiries from people from the media when approached and encouraging members to bring private cars to the anniversary celebrations in July 26. During the centennial celebrations, members were provided with service vehicles. Stickers for vehicles with "One with EVM" were also reportedly distributed in support of the church's executive minister.[43]

The media reported an unusually high number of worshipers and vehicles at the INC church in Los Baños. Several taurpalins bearing the words "One with EVM" was observed to be posted outside the building.[43]

Expelled members

Expelled INC minister Roel and his spouse, Shirley Rosal told reporters on July 23, 2015 that at least 10 ministers are under house arrest allegedly to prevent the exposition of corruption in the church. Roel Rosal claimed that auditor Jun Santos and his staff are using donations for the INC to purchase luxury vehicles to satisfy their own decadent lifestyle. He also said that Angel and Tenny Manalo were being held due to alleged family feud and "revenge". Roel said that the expulsion of the Manalos might have been influenced by a "third party" in the church's administration.[1][2]

Isaias Samson, Jr. at a press conference held in July 23, said that government intervention in the crisis would help resolve the issue. In relation to his allegations, he remarked that it hurts for him to say things that he knows that would damage the reputation of the church due to the actions of a few.[28] Samson was expelled from the INC the day after his press conference.

Other members and supporters

Less than 12 supporters of the church wearing white armbands organized a vigil in support of the detained Manalos front of the Iglesia ni Cristo compound in Tandang Sora. They were responding to the video taken by Angel and Tenny Manalo.[1][44] By 2:00 am of July 25, no INC member is spotted to be camping outside the compound.[45]

Some members used social media as a means to express their support for the INC executive minister Eduardo V. Manalo and the Sanggunian by commenting supportive messages and relevant religious passages. Some members changed their profile photo to an image bearing the words "I am one with EVM," in support of the leadership of Eduardo Manalo.[46]

On July 25, 2015, Louie Cayabyab, the minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo locale in Fremont, California, resigned his position as minister as a response to the INC administration ordering ministers worldwide to announce the expulsions of Isaias Samson along with that of Tenny and Angel Manalo. Cayabyab states "Beloved brethren, there are two circulars that are supposed to be read this morning. The first circular is about the expulsion from the Church of the wife and children of Bro. Erano G. Manalo. And another circular is the expulsion from the Church of Bro. Isaias T. Samson Jr., former editor-in-chief of The Pasugo. I decided, brethren, that I won’t read those circulars. You might be asking, 'why?' Because in my heart, in my heart of hearts, I can’t take it. It is, it is just so so difficult to betray one’s heart..." Cayabyab states that he will probably be expelled from INC and will accept the consequences.[47] While Cayabyab asked INC members to remain in the church, he urged them to support peaceful vigils held in their areas, and implored them to support brethren in the Philippines "who are risking their lives" to expose corruption and reform the church.[48]

In response to Cayabyab's resignation, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Northern California, numbering in the "dozens," according to ABS-CBN News, held a protest at the INC's main United States office in Burlingame, California, demanding an investigation and tribunal into the corruption allegations surrounding the church, along with the reinstatement of Angel and Tenny Manalo.[49] It is reported that about a week later those who were identified to took part of the protests were expelled from the church.[50]

Several members of INC from 26 ecclesiastical districts trooped the Department of Justice office in Manila for an assembly causing massive inconvenience of the public in their wake, when Secretary Leila de Lima, on her birthday, officially announced her 2016 senatorial bid. The assembly happened a few days after former minister Samson, Jr., his wife and son, filed illegal detention charges against eight members of the Sanggunian. A respondent of the case, Bienvenido Santiago, Sr., the church's general evangelist wants De Lima to focus instead on the SAF 44 case, not the case filed by the expelled minister.[51][52]

Net 25 TV interview with allegedly missing ministers

In an interview with Eagle News Service/Net 25 on July 29, 2015, a broadcaster owned and operated by the Iglesia ni Cristo, ministers Lowell "Boyet" Menorca II, Joel San Pedro, Jojo Nemis and Arnel Tumanan denied they were being held captive and stated they were not tortured. They also stated their loyalty to the church administration, executive minister Eduardo Manalo and that they were still active members in the church. The ministers also stated that members should not believe the claims of abduction.[53]

However, Anthony Menorca, the brother of minister Lowell "Boyet" Menorca II, stated that his older brother was forced to deny his abduction because the Iglesia ni Cristo Sanggunian is holding Boyet Menorca's wife, Seiko Otsuka Menorca, and one year old child hostage. Anthony stated that in a meeting with his brother, he told him "Binantaan kami ng kapatid ko na kami ay papatayin" (Tagalog: "My brother warned us we will be killed") Anthony Menorca stated that he was in an undisclosed location and feared for the life of his brother.[54]

In a new video released few days after he was allegedly rescued from the captivity of the Sanggunian on October 21, Menorca clarified, claiming that everything he said in the interview on Net 25 were all purportedly "scripted". Menorca attended a briefing with the ministers Roland Esguerra, Erano Codera, TJ Orosa and Edwil Zabala, and Weng dela Fuente, the assigned reporter of Net 25, on brief pointers on things that will be said and won't be said before the interview.[33]

GMA interview with Lowell Menorca

On August 1, 2015, Lowell Menorca, along with his wife and child, were interviewed in person outside the INC compound by reporters from GMA, a major local broadcaster, wherein he denied all allegations of his abduction and pleaded for his brother to stop making claims. He added that he and his family voluntarily decided to stay within the compound because of concerns for the safety of his household. He was worried that he could potentially be attacked in order to direct the resulting blame on the INC. After the interview, he and his family was escorted back to the INC compound by GMA's own vehicle and staff.[55] Later, Menorca stated the interview was held "under duress."[56]

Menorca recounts capture and being held hostage

On October 21, 2015, Lowell Menorca's brother Anthony petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines to issue writs of habeas corpus and amparo against the INC administration. The request was granted and on October 25, Lowell Menorca II stated that he was illegally detained by the Iglesia ni Cristo and kidnapped by police officers allegedly in the employ of the INC administration and was interrogated for 17 hours. He also states that police officials tried to kill him afterwards using a hand grenade and that he had to beg for his life, successfully convincing a police officer allegedly hired to murder him not to go through with the killing.[56]

Menorca's arrest in connection with libel charges

On January 20, 2016, Lowell Menorca II is on his way to the Court of Appeals to attend a hearing on the illegal detention case filed against INC officials when policemen wearing civilian clothes and without badges led by Supt. Ed Leonardo, an Iglesia ni Cristo member himself, arrested Menorca due to libel charges filed by the SCAN International in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.[57] A stand off between the police, Menorca and his wife Jinky occured along Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue when Menorca resisted the arrest and reiterated that there was no notice from court on the libel charges. After the commotion, 20 policemen in uniform showed up to arrest Menorca.[58][59] MPD Director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana later stopped the standoff and tell Menorca to go to MPD Station 5 where he undergo booking process.[58]

The church, thru its spokesman Edwil Zabala, said the INC strongly denied any involvement with the standoff and tells Menorca to face the libel charges against him.[60][61]

Governmental

Individual politicians

The Bulacan chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines posted tarpaulin streamers with photographs of 20 Bulacan mayors which greets the church on its 101st anniversary. Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque, president of LMP Bulacan, said that the taurpalin was displayed to express their continuing friendship and respect to the church, in response to a report that a Bulacan mayor complained to church leaders that a minister from the INC attempted to extort money from the official. Roque said that the group says that they are in complete support of the INC.[42]

Eli Soriano

On his Twitter account, Eli Soriano of Members Church of God International express support De Lima and urge De Lima not to resign.[62]

Other groups

Commission on Human Rights

Commission on Human Rights chairperson José Luis Martin Gascon through a text message sent on July 24 to Rappler said that the human rights body is monitoring the situation and is yet to launch a formal investigation. The rights body stated that it is avoiding making a "premature conclusion" regarding the church. It described the situation as a "primarily a police matter" and is looking into allegations of abduction of ministers before taking action.[63]

Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said on July 24 that they are requesting prayers for Iglesia members. Villegas said in Tagalog, "As with their plea, I also ask that we pray for our brethren in the Iglesia ni Cristo...Brother Angel and his relatives are requesting prayers, that we pray for them." He added that he respected the decision of the Iglesia, which like the church, is "bound by rules and regulations".[64]

CBN Asia

CBN Asia, producer of the TV program The 700 Club Asia, expressed on Twitter that the issue will be resolved peacefully through prayer.

References

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  2. 1 2 3 Cayabyab, Marc Jayson (23 July 2015). "Manalo kin held to cover up INC scam?". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  3. 1 2 Quismundo, Tarra. "SuspendedINC minister details detention". Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  4. ↑ Rufo, Aries. "Part 1: Who is Glicerio Santos Jr in the Iglesia ni Cristo?". Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  5. ↑ Francisco, Katerina. "Iglesia ni Cristo sues expelled minister for libel". Retrieved 27 July 2015.
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  40. ↑ "VP to de Lima: Stop meddling with INC". The Manila Times. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  41. ↑ Esmaquel, Paterno II (28 August 2015). "Iglesia ni Cristo rallies flock: ‘Inaapi tayo!’". Rappler. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  42. 1 2 Reyes-Estrope, Carmela (26 July 2015). "Manalo asks Iglesia ni Cristo members to follow church leadership". Inquirer Central Luzon. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  43. 1 2 Cinco, Maricar (26 July 2015). "Iglesia ni Cristo members told: carry ‘EVM’ tarps; shun media interviews". Inquirer Southern Luzon. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  44. ↑ Francisco, Katerina (23 July 2015). "Frustrated INC members back leader's kin". Rappler. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  45. ↑ Yee, Jovic (25 July 2015). "No vigil outside Angel Manalo’s residence". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  46. ↑ Mateo, Janvic (26 July 2015). "Iglesia rift widens online". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  47. ↑ "Iglesia ni Cristo minister in California quits post | News | GMA News Online". Gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  48. ↑ Esmaquel, Paterno. "US-based INC minister: 'Never my intention to quit'". Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  49. ↑ "Surprising move: Iglesia ni Cristo members in California hold protest". Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  50. ↑ Conclara, Rommel (6 August 2015). "INC expels members who joined protest in US". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN North America News Bureau. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  51. ↑ "Iglesia Ni Cristo Press Statement as read during Aug. 26 press conference". Eagle News. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  52. ↑ "Iglesia ni Cristo members: ‘Why, why, why, De Lima?’". Rappler. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  53. ↑ "INC ministers come out in the open to say they were not abducted, hit lies spread in media". Eagle News. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  54. ↑ Cepeda, Mara. "Sibling of ‘abducted’ minister to INC Council: Free my brother". Rappler. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  55. ↑ "Iglesia minister Lowell Menorca II denies church holding his family against their will". gmanetwork. 3 August 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  56. 1 2 "Ex-minister Lowell Menorca recounts Iglesia 'detention' ordeal". Rappler.com. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  57. ↑ "Manila cops arrest ex-Iglesia minister before CA appearance". GMA News. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  58. 1 2 Placido, Dharel (20 January 2016). "Ex-INC minister Menorca arrested on way to court". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  59. ↑ "Ex-Iglesia minister Lowell Menorca surrenders". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  60. ↑ "Ex-INC minister Menorca arrested on the way to court". Rappler. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  61. ↑ "Iglesia Ni Cristo Official Press Statement". Eagle News. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  62. ↑ BroEliSoriano (31 August 2015). "#DeLimaDoNotResign sana wag ipagpalit ni Pnoy ang prinsipyo ng Daang Matuwid sa kapritso ng mga ignm! Kailangan ng gov ang uri ni secdelima" (Tweet).
  63. ↑ Cepeda, Mara (24 July 2015). "CHR: Iglesia alleged abductions still a 'police matter'". Rappler. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  64. ↑ ABS-CBNews.com (24 July 2015). "CBCP calls for prayers for INC" (in English and Tagalog). Retrieved 25 July 2015.
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