Cases vs INC execs submitted for resolution

MANILA - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has wrapped up its preliminary investigation into criminal charges of serious illegal detention and arbitrary detention filed by expelled members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) against key officials of the religious sect.

In a hearing on Friday, Assistant State Prosecutors Mark Roland Estepa and Olivia Torrevillas submitted the cases filed by ex-INC Minister Isaias Samson and members of his immediate family, and Jose Fruto and several members of his household, for resolution.

This, after the respondents, led by INC Sanggunian officials Glicerio Santos, Radel Cortez, and Erds Cordera, opted not to participate in the proceedings and waived their right to a defense.

Complainants reaffirmed their complaint-affidavits before the panel of prosecutors.

Samson and Fruto, in their separate complaints, claimed that they were held by the INC against their will because of their supposed exposes against the church.

Samson, for his part, said he is not against the INC but against its alleged erring officials.

"Hindi kami kalaban ng Iglesia. Hindi Iglesia ang aming idinedemanda kundi ang mga tao na gumagawa ng masama... Kung yang mga nasa Sanggunian na yan ay aalis (resign) lamang at haharapin ang mga ito, matatahimik ang Iglesia," Samson said in an interview with reporters.

Fruto, meantime, claimed he earned the ire of the sect after supporting Angel Manalo, brother of INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.

"These all happened because I was helping the children of Ka Erdy Manalo," Fruto said, referring to Angel and the other expelled members of the Manalo family.

The INC has consistently denied the charges and allegations against them, stressing that all these are part of a ploy to cause disunity among members of the church.