Samson's cases vs. INC members submitted for resolution

Ex-INC minister Isaias Samson Jr.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The criminal complaints of former minister Isaias Samson Jr. against members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) were deemed submitted for resolution after the respondents and their lawyers were a no-show at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday (November 6) for the case's preliminary investigation.

Samson had accused six members of INC's Sanggunian of serious illegal detention, coercion, grave threat and harassment for allegedly detaining him and his family for one week in July. He said members of the Sanggunian — the religious group's highest administrative body — suspected him of being behind blogs that were critical of their church.

The respondents — who had also failed to submit counter affidavits — are all members of the Sanggunian, namely: Glicerio Santos, Rolando Esguerra, Rodel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago, Mathusalem Pareja, Erano Codera, Rodel Cabrera and Maximo Bularan.

Samson, who attended the preliminary investigation together with his wife and son, said he was happy that his case was finally moving — adding that there's was still threat against him and his family.

He explained he had nothing against the INC, but his issue was with those leaders "who do bad things."

Meanwhile, another illegal detention case against members of the INC's Sanggunian was submitted for DOJ resolution. This one filed by former INC member Dr. Jose Fruto.

CNN Philippines' Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.

Source:

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/11/06/Samsons-cases-vs.-INC-members-submitted-for-resolution.html