Rappler: INC and the mentality of exclusivity

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

by Malaya dela Cruz* [Rappler]

Published 12:00 PM, August 14, 2014 

I’ve been an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member since I was born and my father is a minister. My siblings and I were raised to behold as absolute truth all doctrines without question. As kids, we’re brazen to tell our friends “Mag-Iglesia ka na kundi mapupunta ka sa dagat-dagatang apoy.” (Convert to Iglesia; otherwise, you'll end up in hell)

We’re flying with wings of righteousness holding the light to guide those lost in the darkness, we call sanlibutan; completely convinced that we’re indeed the chosen ones come judgment day. All we have to do is follow like sheep and salvation is certain. This is my myopic reality.

Into the darkness

Coming of age, I learned our creationist view is indubitably wrong given the insurmountable evidences against it, yet I find this mistake tolerable; assuming perhaps a scientifically-informed interpretation of the bible isn’t necessary for salvation. I was indifferent about this just as I am in overriding any of my rights for the sake of unity; trusting that it’s always for the good of the church.

What became unbearable is having my consciousness raised about the multi-dimensional causes of poverty. I cannot unlearn what I know now - that the terrible social realities we dismiss right before our eyes as normal is caused by injustice from existing power structures in society.

It was alarming for I was undeniably guilty of being part of a church responsible for reinforcing structures that sustain poverty through our social attitude and practice of ‘unity.’

We are INC first before we are Filipinos

It is our faith, albeit fatalistic, that the world will inevitably perish and no developmental agenda by man could prevent it; we are only travelers here for our true residence is the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we resign concern about matters outside our kingdom unless it might undermine doctrines or the church administration.

We show power in numbers through bloc-voting and secure key positions in the government in order to protect the interests of the church, never mind whether it’s a corrupt official as long as the church is secured. This is why INC was indifferent during the People Power I despite all the atrocious harm done towards the Filipino people - all because we allied with former president Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator.

Culture of apathy

Since our primary concern is the good of the church and not of the people in general, an apathetic attitude towards social issues is fostered among members.

We’re prohibited to participate in any form of social mobilization or unions because it’s against the unity of the church, even if such actions addresses concerns that directly affect the welfare of members.

Greedy corporations who operate with inhumane policies are fortunate as INC members are willing allies to preserve an unfair system. We abstain claiming accountability from power-holders in the name of ‘peace.’ - a peace that is oblivious of its implications.

Yes, we’re an obedient flock of docile sheep but we’re also subtle criminals and dignified perpetrators of injustices against our fellowmen. With brilliant pride we take the side of the oppressors.

Our brand of humanitarianism

The provision of generous aid to millions of non-members through medical missions, relief distributions and housing projects are token gestures, for “conversion” is our utmost motivation by exploiting the sense of utang na loob (debt of gratitude).

INC’s brand of humanitarianism does not involve championing the interest and welfare of the poor by addressing root causes of social issues. Our humanitarian cause is the 'noblest' of all: to save your soul from damnation by converting you to the one true Church of Christ.

Masters of mobilization

We’re taught that hardships and misfortunes in life are either caused by sin or are trials we must endure. However, evidence suggests that societal structures and how its citizens participate in shaping it in the course of history is the concrete reason for the everyday struggles of today. Poverty is avoidable, development is a choice.

The public witnessed INC’s power to amass more than a million people in its administrations’ behest. If the church could use its clout to truly help the nation by addressing long term needs and root causes of perennial social issues – such as lobbying and supporting genuine agrarian reform, a fair wage and other issues that affect the marginalized majority, where many of its own members come from, we shall contribute to societal change.

Aren't we humans first?

My conscience is disturbed when I saw my fellow brethren exalte upon news of famine, war, destruction and calamities where thousands of people lay dead. Some even said, “Makasalanan kasi ang sanlibutan, matuwa tayo dahil nalalapit ang kaligtasan natin.” (The people are sinful. We should be happy because our salvation is near.) They seem to forget we’re humans first before we even subscribe to any religion.

'Saving your soul' as a single mission is quite selfish in the face of human suffering. I understand it stems from fear and existential uncertainties, but It’s wrong to choose a convenient personal escape and say “kung gusto niyo rin maligtas, umanib na kayo” (if you want to be saved, join us) instead of engaging in collective action driven by empathy and compassion.

We glory over the Philippine Arena, Guinness records, and the thousands of congregations we’ve built like the elite ruler gloating over his empire.

There is harm in a mentality of exclusivity when we operate in the context of a larger society. Imagining a fragmented reality wherein we are only travelers goes against the truth that we have a responsibility to contribute and cooperate in facilitating change in the world. We can do this by renouncing apathy and using our power to mobilize for the good of people. - Rappler.com

*Malaya dela Cruz is a pseudonym. Rappler verified the identity of the writer, who asked her real name be concealed for her protection. She is a university student.

iSpeak is Rappler's platform for sharing ideas, sparking discussions, and taking action! Share your iSpeak articles with us: move.ph@rappler.com.

INC Exposed by CBS News (Canada) ~ How The Fifth Estate dealt with intimidation | The Investigators with Diana Swain

"INC run by one family..." -CBS News

Rappler: Expelled INC member gets refugee status in Canada

Imagine if an ex-Catholic member would seek refuge in other countries because his life is in danger. And those who wants his life are the very same persons who call themselves "followers of the real church"? What a hypocrite. This is why Menorca's case is UNIQUE to the Iglesia Ni Cristo® - 1914. It no longer embodies the Christian moral precepts that is a prescription for being a follower of Christ! That's why the INC™ can't blame non-INC™ for calling them "cult"!  -CD2000 [Source: Rappler / You can read also at ABS-CBN]

Canadian authorities say Lowell Menorca II 'is a person in need of protection from a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment and a risk to his life' 

ARRESTED. Ex-Iglesia ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca is secured by police officers after he was presented a warrant of arrest for libel on January 20, 2016. File photo by Lito Boras/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Citing threats to his life, Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has granted refugee status to expelled Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) member Lowell Menorca II. 

Rappler on Friday, January 26, obtained a redacted copy of the Canadian authorities' decision on Menorca's case. Canada's CBC News reported on the same decision on Thursday, January 25. 

TRANSLACION: Former INC™ Youth Converted to the Catholic Church

Why teenagers join the Nazareno procession

To keep traditions, realize dreams, and hope for miracles

TRADITION. Jerome Dalumpines (2nd from the left) goes through the crowd in Quiapo with his friends. Photo by Eloisa Lopez/Rappler

Rappler.com MANILA, Philippines – Every January 9, a multitude of devotees join the procession or Traslacion of the image of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church, walking barefoot for hours through the streets of what used to be called downtown Manila.

As millions push and shove with blind zeal during the often 24-hour long Traslacion, millions too are the reasons, prayers, and wishes in the hearts of these devotees.

CBC Investigates: Filipino man claims death threats from members of powerful Christian church

By Eric Rankin, Gavin Fisher, CBC News Posted: Jun 14, 2016

Lowell Menorca says he fears persecution from the Iglesia Ni Cristo. They say his claims are 'fabrications''

Lowell Menorca holds the image he claims a family member found on his car in the Philippines. He says the note prompted him to leave the country, and he is now seeking refugee status in Canada. (Gavin Fisher/CBC)

A Filipino man has applied for refugee status in Canada claiming the lives of his young family have been threatened by members of what he calls a "cult-like" Christian church in the Philippines — and he alleges to CBC News he's still being stalked in Metro Vancouver.

Lowell Menorca, 39, a former un-ordained minister in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), or Church of Christ, brought his allegations to the CBC in his first major English language interview.

His case has generated headline news coverage in the Philippines.

Iglesia Ni Cristo is the third largest faith in the Philippines after Catholicism and Islam, and it has hundreds of churches around the world, including many in Canada.

The INC preaches these are "the last days," and only its members will be saved. According to the church's doctrines, to be expelled means losing your salvation.

Menorca says the INC expelled him after a split developed among descendants of the man who founded the church. He says he was suspected of being an anonymous blogger who had accused INC leaders of overspending and corruption.

Menorca believes the leadership has wasted vast amounts of money on things such as a private Airbus jetliner (since sold) and the construction of the Philippine Arena, the biggest covered stadium in the world, built to celebrate the INC's centennial in 2014.

He alleges he was illegally detained by Church officials, arrested by police and then hit with more than 40 lawsuits for libel for speaking out about his alleged treatment from the church.

"This is an orchestrated effort by the church to intimidate me," says Menorca, "to put me behind bars, ultimately to silence me."

Menorca says a family member found this note on his car in the Philippines on March 6, the night before he was to appear at a court hearing against the INC. (Lowell Menorca)

But officials with the Iglesia Ni Cristo call Menorca's claims "fabricated" and "devious."

They say he's fleeing prosecution, not persecution, in the Philippines, and they expect the Canadian government to deny his refugee application.

The INC flew its San Francisco-based supervising attorney to Vancouver to answer the CBC's questions about the case.

Iglesia Ni Cristo supervising attorney Rommel
V. San Pedro says that Menorca's claims about
the church are "fabricated." (CBC)

"It's so obvious to see that he's fabricated this whole story", says Rommel V. San Pedro.

"In the end, the Canadian government is going to see through all of these allegations, and see there's no threat here."

"We can tell you there is no corruption inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo."

But Menorca claims he has proof church supporters have threatened his life and the lives of his pregnant wife and two-year-old child.

Alleged Threat to Daughter

Menorca's battle with the church came to a head three months ago in the Philippines.

On March 6 — the night before he was to appear at a court hearing against the INC — he claims a family member discovered a photo on the windshield of his car, parked at a safe house.

The family portrait, possibly lifted from Menorca's social media postings, had a red "x" through the face of his two-year-old daughter Yurie — and the warning "March 7, 2016, Say Goodbye."

It was signed "Mandirigma," Tagalog for "warriors"— a term often used online by some who purport to be defenders of the church.

"When I saw it, it literally crumbled my world" says a tearful Menorca.

"I really didn't want to stand by and watch if they're really going to push through with it, so that moment we decided that we would leave the country."

That night, he flew his family to Vietnam.

But he claims the intimidation continued.

Within hours, Menorca says photographs were posted on a Facebook site that appears to target those expelled from the INC, showing his family on the plane and at the airport terminal.

Comments in Tagalog and English accompanied the pictures. Among them: "You can run but you can't hide" and "You will not be able to escape, you are an animal, you are evil!!!"

Intimidation continues in B.C.: Menorca

Menorca said his family next fled to Thailand, seeking a safe haven.

But while he had a valid Visa to the US, his daughter and his pregnant wife Jingky did not.

Menorca says he eventually made the difficult decision to board a flight to Seattle that routed through Vancouver. When he landed on Canadian soil he immediately approached immigration officials and sought refugee status in the hope he can bring his wife and child here.

Conversion Story of a Former Iglesia Ni Cristo member to Catholicism, now a Resilient Catholic Defender!

Sean Nathaniel: A Story of Family's Conversion to Catholic Faith that Rooted from Dad’s Smashing of the Virgin Mary’s Image

By: Sean Nathaniel
Source: JesusChristMinistry blog

The sequence of events pertaining to his Dad’s ultimate conversion to Catholicism is still fresh to his memories. Back then, he was eight years old and had no religion, who could not be baptized because he was not at the right age yet based on their doctrine.

Formerly his father was a baptized Catholic but converted to Iglesia ni Cristo, while her mother was a Catholic who was constrained of conversion as their marriage was not sanctioned once without their affiliation to the sect mentioned.

While it is true that they were devoted to their worship services, searching everything inscribed in the Scriptures had not driven him yet considering his age at eight so he just allowed the flow and be tied in with.

Nevertheless, he could sense that his Mom’s association and devotions were simply twisted by somebody’s arm than heartfelt.

One day, his mother turned to be sickly.

Perplexed as he was, his Dad told his Mom to see a doctor for a check up, and so she did.

Back home after her check up, he noticed from his room’s window of his teary-eyed Mom.

At about 5pm coming from the office, his Dad approached his Mom with a kiss on her cheek, offered a snack and conversed.

His Mom desired to have a vacation to see his grandmother as she missed her, which his Dad granted provided that it was only for 6 days.

Out of assertiveness, he was also given the go-ahead to so he joined the 6-day vacation.

It was Monday when they went to his Granny’s place and in high spirits because at last he would get a view of the farm for the first time.

Lowell Menorca II at ang Kaniyang Pahayag Ukol sa Kaniyang Pag-alis sa Bansa

Ang ginigipit na pamilya ni Lowell Menorca II (Photo Source: Manila Bulletin)

Hindi layunin ng post na ito na siraan ang pamunuan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo (1914) bagkus nais lamang nating matulungan si G. Lowell Menorca II na maiparating sa mga tao ang kanyang saloobin ukol sa pangambang hinaharap ng kanyang pamilya matapos na siya ay mapagbintangang kasama raw siya ng may ari ng isang blog na si Antonio Ebangelista.  Dalangin natin na sa lahat ng mga NAAAPI at nawawalan ng pag-asa ay masumpungan nawa nila ang tanging pagkalinga at paggabay ng ating Diyos at Panginoong Jesus na siya lamang ang maaaring takbuhan ng mga walang kumakalinga. -CD2000

READ: Former INC member Lowell Menorca's statement
ABS-CBN News
Posted at 03/10/16 9:38 PM

Lowell Menorca II, a former Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) member, issued a statement Thursday, days after he and his family left for Vietnam last Sunday.

Menorca was earlier reported missing. Menorca; his wife, Jinky; and daughter, Yurie Keiko were supposed to attend the hearing before the appellate court's 7th Division where INC lawyers were supposed to continue their cross-examination of Menorca on the latter's writ of amparo petition against INC leaders led by Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo.

The Menorcas fled the Philippines allegedly due to death threats, including one against their daughter, according to his lawyer, Trixie Cruz-Angeles.

"It scared him so much that he proceeded to the airport so that he could secure his family," Angeles said.

The INC camp said it is exploring legal options following Menorca's travel to Vietnam, including asking the court to strike out his testimony from record.

INC collaborating counsel Moises Tolentino Jr. said they were surprised by Menorca's departure, adding that he was supposed to cross-examine him Monday morning.

The case stems from the alleged abduction of Menorca and his family and their househelp Abegail Yanson by the INC because of alleged suspicions he is behind the "Antonio Ebanghelista" blog that has been posting on social media against supposed corruption within the religious sect.

This is Menorca's full statement Thursday:

"Ako po ay sumusulat sa inyo ngayon hindi bilang isang dating Manggagawa sa Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) na handang harapin ang anumang banta at panganib dahil sa paninindigan na isiwalat ang ginawa ng Pamamahala ng INC sa amin simula sa pagpapadukot sa Sorsogon, pagpapakulong sa Dasmarinas, Cavite para sa isang kinathang kaso, pagpapa-detain sa amin sa INC Central compound at patuloy na pangha-harass sa amin, na dahil dito nakahanda akong ibuwis ang aking kalayaan at buhay para lamang maninidigan at ipaglaban ang katotohanan. Ngayon po ay sumusulat ako sa inyo bilang isang pangulo ng sambahayan na labis na nangangamba para sa kaligtasan ng kaniyang pamilya.

Bakit nga ba ako natulak sa pagpapasya na lumikas ng bansa sa kabila ng nakaambang panganib na maharang sa airport at maipakulong na muli?

Sariwang-sariwa pa sa aming alaala ang karimarimarim na tagpo nang kami ay pasukin sa mismong compound ng Kapilya ng Iglesia Ni Cristo sa Lokal ng Butag, Sorsogon noong July 16, 2015, kung saan mga armadong pulis ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD) pa ang pumasok katulong ang mga kinasangkapan nilang mga Ministro sa pamumuno ni Ka Benefrido Santiago, dating Sanggunian, upang kami ay dukutin. Iyon ang unang pagkakataon na inilagay nila sa panganib ang aking pamilya sapagkat maging ang aking maybahay na si Jingky, ang anak naming si Yurie at ang aming kasambahay na si Abby ay pinilit nilang sumama sa kanila kahit pa labag sa kanilang kagustuhan. Sinamsam din nilang lahat ng aming mga personal na mga kagamitan. Sa kabila ng kanilang paggamit sa kapulisan upang gumawa ng isang aktibidad na labag sa batas, nagawa pa nilang pasamain ang aking pangalan sa mga tao sa Lokal doon sa pamamagitan ng pagkakalat ng mga kasinungalingan laban sa amin. Pinatunayan lamang nilang muli na kaya nilang gawin ang kahit anong gusto nila at walang makapipigil sa kanila.

Nagawa nilang ipakulong ako sa Dasmariñas City Jail gamit ang isa pang kaanib sa Iglesia Ni Cristo na kasalukuyang City Prosecutor ng Dasmariñas. Pagkilapas ng siyam (9) na araw ay pinakawalan din ako dahil sa dumarami na ang media na pumupunta doon na gusto akong ma-interview at malaman ang totoong nangyari sa akin. Akala ko ay makakapiling ko na ang aking pamilya at malaya na kaming makapamumuhay ng payapa. Subalit sa halip na kami ay palayain, pinalabas nilang ako ang may kahilingan na kami ay kupkupin ng Pamamahala sa loob ng Central, kaya sa loob ng ilang buwan ay nagawa nilang i-detain kami sa loob mismo ng Central ng labag sa aming kagustuhan at karapatan. Pinabantayan kami sa mga gwardya saan man kami naroroon at ilang beses silang gumawa ng mga eksena para palabasin na normal lang ang aming buhay at hindi kami illegally detained. Dahil sa kawalan namin ng kapangyarihan sa aming kalayaan at kalagayan, sumunod kami sa lahat ng kanilang kagustuhan at sinabi ang anumang gusto nilang ipasabi sa amin. Sa madaling salita ay nagpanggap kami na kumakampi na sa kanila para lamang tigilan na nila ang interrogations nila sa akin patungkol sa mga taong nasa likod ng blog writer na si Antonio Ebangelista. Nagmistulang parang bangungot ang aming buhay dahil sa kabila ng katotohanang binibigyan nila kami ng pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan namin subalit nananatili kami sa isang presong may gintong rehas sa loob ng banal na lugar ng Central. Mahirap itong maunawaan ng ibang tao lalo na ng mga taong wala direktang kabatiran ukol dito kaya kung anu-anong kasinungalingan ang ipinakakalat nila sa mga kapatid para lamang pasinungalingan ang katotohanan. Kaya marami ang mabilis na tumalon sa konklusyon na naninira lamang daw ako at nanggugulo samantalang kahit saang anggulo nating titingnan, kami ang biktima at hindi sila. Ang nakakapagtaka pa ay lahat ng mga taong may pinakamaraming opinyon at nasasabi ukol sa mga bagay na iyon ay ang mga taong wala naman sa mga pagkakataong iyon at lalong walang personal na kaalaman ukol doon.

BREAKING: Ex-Iglesia minister Menorca already out of PHL –Immigration Bureau

Photo Source: NewsInfoInquirer

Following alleged death threats to him and his family, former Iglesia Ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca has left the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration said on Monday.

In a tweet, GMA News' Jun Veneracion quoted BI spokesperson Nikki Reyes as saying that Menorca, who had accused Iglesia Ni Cristo officials of illegally detaining him and his family, left Sunday.

"Immigration Spokesperson Nikki Reyes confirms that ex-INC minister Lowell Menorca has left PHL yesterday," read Veneracion's tweet.

The BI did not indicate Menorca's destination.

Earlier in the day, Menorca's legal counsel Trixie Cruz-Angeles manifested before the Court of Appeals that Menorca had told her over the phone Sunday night that they were at the airport ready to depart.

The lawyer said Menorca, his wife Jinky Otsuka-Menorca and their daughter were intially stopped at the airport by officials due to a hold departure order.

Angeles, however, said Menorca later informed her the family was finally allowed to leave.

Reyes told reporters that Menorca took a Cebu Pacific flight that left for Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam at 10:45 p.m. —Mark Merueñas/KBK, GMA News

Iglesia Ni Cristo's Online Vigilantes called "MANDIRIGMA" starts Attacking ex-members!

IGLESIA NI CRISTO®'s ONLINE VIGILANTES called "MANDIRIGMA" are in FULL SWING against former INC™ members. Mr. Lowell Menorca II and his family was ATTACKED online! 

Please pray for Mr. Menorca and all those who are persecuted and threatened by the INC™ leadership.

Source: Inquirer.net

Ex-INC minister who accused sect leaders goes missing — lawyer

Former Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Minister Lowell Menorca II and his family are missing, his counsel said before the Court of Appeals.

Menorca was supposed to appear before the Court of Appeals for the continuation of his cross examination on the writ of amparo petition filed by his brother Anthony and sister-in-law Jungko.

READ: Expelled minister crosses swords with Iglesia lawyer | Ousted Iglesia ni Cristo leader bares murder plot

Named respondents are INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and members of the sect’s Sanggunian, Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago, and Rolando Esguerra.

The petition was filed last Oct. 15, 2015 after Menorca and his family were taken by alleged INC members after he was being suspected to be Anthony Ebanghelista, the blogger writing against INC.

During Monday’s hearing, Menorca’s counse

l Atty. Trixie Angeles said last Sunday evening the last communication she had with Menorca was at 8pm Sunday.

Angeles said Menorca called her from the airport.

“He informed us that they received a death threat,” Angeles told the Court.

The death threat was sent using Menorca’s family photo with a March 7 date, face of his daughter marked with an “X”. It was placed on the windshield of his vehicle.

“It scared him so much that he proceeded to the airport so that he could secure his family,” Angeles told reporters.

At the airport, she said Menorca informed him past 7 in the evening Sunday that he has a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order, meaning they cannot leave the country.

Angeles said Menorca informed her that he was held by Immigration officials supposedly to be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and then brought to Camp Crame.

At 8 in the evening, Angeles said he received another call from Menorca informing her that they have been allowed to leave.

“He called us and told us that he was being allowed to leave to which we expressed our reservations because if there is an HDO, it would not be possible. Nevertheless he promised to call us no matter how things turned out and he has not been reachable ever since,” Angeles said.

Angeles said she could not also reach Menorca’s brother Anthony and sister-in-law Jungko.

INC lawyers questioned why Menorca’s lawyer was not able to communicate with him after 8pm Sunday when Menorca was able to post on his Facebook account 6 hours ago.

“I am expressing suspicion as to the authenticity of this claim,” Att. Patricia Ann Prodigalidad said.

Prodigalidad was referring to the photo of the death threat the Menorca’s family received where the former minister appealed to leave his daughter alone.

The Court of Appeals reset the case on March 21 and 28.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/771305/ex-inc-minister-who-accused-sect-leaders-goes-missing-lawyer#ixzz42CE1fx5s
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

"MANDIRIGMA" -- Iglesia Ni Cristo's latest Online Vigilantes?

If this is true, non-INC™ members especially Catholics who are critical to the Iglesia Ni Cristo's fragile governance should be clever enough to ensure their personal information and/or photos in their social media accounts’ PRIVACY are securely protected.

Source: Sher Lock FB Account

VIRAL: Signs of falsehood: I am leaving the Iglesia Ni Cristo

Source: LocalPulse

Unverified user named Maya Agoncillo talks about the signs of falsehood of Iglesia Ni Cristo that went viral on social media.

With the observed signs of falsehood, she vented her frustrations by leaving her church.

From bloc voting to death threats uttered by ministers to leaders of other denominations, Maya decided to leave Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Below is her confession.

As I planned to write this piece I was at the crossroads of my membership with the Iglesia ni Cristo. Shall I stay? Or shall I leave?

I have been an avid member of the Iglesia ni Cristo since the time of Bro. Eraño Manalo. I believed all its teachings that it is the true church. I stayed loyal for more than a decade now, doing my part and giving my all that was required of the members. I had no complains. I felt it was okay so that we could have beautiful chapels that are our pride and joy.

 

But I am not exactly moneyed: my salary is just enough to give my part. And that explains why I think I am also entitled to say my piece and ask where the money goes. Where do they really go? I am asking this question and other questions because of the recent events that have captured the attention of the world on us. Are we really a true church? Is the Iglesia ni Cristo God’s church?

Now and then, I would hear people attacking the teachings of the church especially the part that says Christ is man. But that did not bother me. I still have time to check on that. Politically, there are those issues like the legitimacy of bloc voting that sometimes a brother is pitted against his family. He cannot vote for his relative but only for the wishes of the Administration or else he gets excommunicated. I had an experience that closely hews to this one. It concerned my father who lost the barangay elections because earlier he did not vote for the choice of the Administration. They pitted someone against him. Poor father! That was painful to me but I still let that pass.

We were told not to watch the programs of Eliseo Soriano or Bro. Eli – that proud minster that left us and now talks a lot against the church. But one fortunate Friday, without intending to, I had the opportunity to watch him in one of his recent Bible Expositions. There, flashed on the screen, I saw our ministers unabashedly flashing a death threat on him. They were saying, if he comes back (to the country), he would be met at the airport; there would be red carpet on the floor. Candles would burn for him and there would be free peanuts. They sealed their talk saying, “To Bro. Eli, peace be with you!”

I was so ashamed of myself. And I thought we drove him away in an effort to gag his mouth. This Bro. Eli was saying at the Exposition that he was forced to leave the country on account of the INC. He explained that events happened fast when he dared our Sugo to have a debate with him. But we did not respond to that challenge, right?

I knew that our brother, Daniel Veridiano, had filed a rape case against Soriano. When that move did not prosper, he went to GMA7 and had himself interviewed. I came to know more about this case because of that Boycott Page of the Ang Dating Daan people in Facebook. From the Long Description of that page, it appeared that they are still smarting from a Second Insult from GMA. They say that despite their complaints of irresponsible reporting, some 3 years after, their sister station aired that controversial interview also. That is why it is a GMA7-11 that the Ang Dating Daan are boycotting, going five years now, they say. Don’t tell me we had nothing to do with this GMA caper. We love to persecute Soriano.

Justice at last for Ex-INC™ Ministers

Source: Manila Bulletin

Ex-INC™ Minister Isaiah Samson Jr. (Photo Source: Politico.com)

Libel cases filed by INC vs former ministers junked

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office junked the five libel cases filed by powerful religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) against two of its former ministers and another ex-INC member due to insufficiency of evidence.

In a 12-page joint resolution, Assistant City Prosecutor Manuel Luis Felipe dismissed the libel cases against Isaias Samson Jr., former INC minister and ex-editor-in-chief of Pasugo, INC publication; Eliodoro Yuson Jr. and Rodel Rosal, former INC minister and member, respectively.

Also exonerated from the libel cases were Marc Jason Cayabyab, Abel Ulanday and John Nery, reporter, publisher and editor-in-chief, respectively, of Inquirer.net online news.

In the resolution, Felipe said that three elements of libel – persons defamed were identifiable, the defamatory remarks were made public and the remarks were defamatory – were present in the complaints filed, but the other element – malice – was not present.

“The subject TV/radio interviews and news articles are clearly defamatory. There is no question that the subject interviews and news articles were made by respondents Samson, Yuson and Rosal and complainant Santos was identified by name in the TV interview and news articles. But the weakness in the complainant’s cases lies in the second element -which is malice. The burden is on the side of the respondent to show good intention and justifiable motive in order to overcome the legal inference of malice,” Felipe said in his resolution.

Solita Monsod: On Menorca's overkill arrest!

Photo Source: Politicos.com

By: Solita Collas-Monsod / Philippine Daily Inquirer [all emphasis were mine]

I CANNOT resist putting in my two cents’ worth of comment, or rather questions, on the news reports on what has been going in Metro Manila this week. So here goes.

The Menorca arrest. 1. Two arrest warrants were served on expelled Iglesia ni Cristo worker Lowell Menorca II, both for libel. They were signed by two regional trial court judges all the way from Mindanao—the first by Alberto Quinto of the RTC in Kapatagan (second-class municipality, 2010 population: 53,916), Lanao del Norte, and the second by Wenida Papandayan of Marawi City (“The only Islamic city in the Philippines”), Lanao del Sur. Why anyone in those areas should be exercised about alleged libelous statements made by Menorca, I fail to understand, except if it is to remove the INC center from all blame. Obviously, someone was. And the judges ordering the arrest of Menorca—didn’t they have anything better to do? Maybe the Supreme Court administrator should take notice.

2. Then there’s the Manila Police Department sending out a “tracker team” (whatever that is)—the members of which weren’t in uniform, but in shorts and slippers, for heaven’s sake—to arrest Menorca. They found him on his way to the Court of Appeals. According to the MPD spokesperson, a decision was made “on the ground,” meaning at the point where they saw Menorca, to give priority to the arrest order rather than to the CA subpoena that Menorca was answering. That doesn’t compute. The decision to arrest couldn’t have been made on the ground, because Menorca was already on his way to the CA. Isn’t it more logical to conclude that the team was bent on preventing Menorca from reaching the court? Ergo, the decision must have been made beforehand.

3. More on the MPD: With all the arrest warrants being issued in Metro Manila, why were the warrants from Mindanao given priority, especially since the alleged crime was only libel—not a heinous crime—and there must be hundreds of warrants for crimes in the city that the MPD could have served?

4. Still talking about the MPD: Its story is that Mrs. Menorca (Seiko “Jinky” Otsuka) grabbed the badge and the arrest warrant from the serving officer, hid these in her car, and then came out to do battle. That shows tremendous presence of mind and calm ability to think on her feet. I saw the video (thank the Lord for cell phones), and noted that Mrs. Menorca is a slender, tiny woman compared to the arresting officer. How could she have gotten his badge and the arrest order, and so quickly? Why didn’t the others show their badges? The video showed her in hysterics (not calm), asking them again and again to show their badges, but no answer. And why, if they knew that the arrest warrant was in her car, were they unable to retrieve it?

Leila de Lima showed the strength of her character when she gave her statement regarding the Menorca arrest. Where other politicians have stayed absolutely quiet, no doubt because they are courting the INC vote, Leila unhesitatingly spoke her mind in complete disregard of what it might imply for her personal benefit. That’s what we need in the Senate. You have my vote, Leila...

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Mareng Winnie: De Lima puts to shame politikos for being the lone voice in the wilderness against INC

Source: Politicos.com

Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Solita Monsod is praising senatorial bet Leila de Lima for standing up to the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo and calling a spade a spade when the former justice secretary condemned the arrest of sect member Lowell Menorca II.

“Leila de Lima showed the strength of her character when she gave her statement regarding the Menorca arrest. Where other politicians have stayed absolutely quiet, no doubt because they are courting the INC vote, Leila unhesitatingly spoke her mind in complete disregard of what it might imply for her personal benefit. That’s what we need in the Senate. You have my vote, Leila,” gushed Monsod in her Philippine Daily Inquirer column.

De Lima described Menorca’s arrest on 20 January 2016 as “really highly irregular and most probably illegal, too.”

She said the arresting officers should have been in uniform and not plainclothes and slippers and that they used excessive force not proportionate to the nonviolent crime slapped against Menorca.

The INC is widely suspected of engineering the dubious arrest warrant slapped on Menorca for libel. Menorca has accused the INC of illegal detention and harassment.

The INC has tagged Menorca as part of the group behind the malicious social media posts against INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and his family. It was De Lima who initiated the cases filed against the INC leaders for illegal detention in August 2015.

Ang INC at ang Mafia!

Lowell Menorca II, ang palabang dating kaanib ng INC™ (Photo Source: Rappler)

Source: Bandera
Sinulat ni Ramon Tulfo

ANG Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ay maihahambing sa Mafia ng America .

Pareho silang may mga galamay sa gobiyerno at sa ilang sektor ng lipunan.

Pareho silang kinatatakutan ng kanilang mga miyembro, at maging taga-labas, dahil sa kanilang taglay na kapangyarihan at impluwensiya.

Ang pagkakaiba lang ay ang INC ay isang relihiyon na itinatag sa ating bansa, na tinuturuan daw ang mga miyembro ng pagmamahal sa kapwa, samantalang ang Mafia ay isang criminal gang na pumapatay.

Pero pareho ang dalawa sa paraan upang sundin ng kanilang mga miyembro ang vow of silence: pinatatahimik habambuhay ang mga lumabag sa panata.

Since the Mafia is not operating in the Philippines , hayaan na natin ito at ipagpaubaya na natin ito sa mga otoridad sa America .

Pag-usapan natin ang INC.

Ipinakita ng simbahan ang pangil nito nang ipinag-utos nito ang pag-aresto kay Lowell Menorca II, isang itiniwalag na ministro, upang pigilin siyang makapagtestigo sa Court of Appeals.

Kasama ni Menorca ang kanyang asawa at 2-taong gulang na anak na babae patungo sa appellate court nang sila’y masabat ng ilang pulis na diumano’y mga miyembro ng INC.

Titestigo sana si Menorca sa Court of Appeals sa kanyang demanda laban sa mga lider ng simbahan na diumano’y nagbigay ng utos na siya’y dukutin noong isang taon.

Pilit na isinama ng mga pulis na miyembro ng INC si Menorca , na ministro noon sa Bulan, Sorsogon patungong Maynila.

Sinabi niya na ipinadukot siya ng mga matataas na opisyal ng INC dahil pinaghihinalaan nila na siya ang may kagagawan ng pagpapakalat ng diumano’y katiwalaan sa loob ng INC sa online posts.

Sa madaling salita, gusto siyang patahimikin.

Sinabi ni Menorca na sa daan patungong Maynila, pinagtangkaan siyang patayin ng mga pulis pero isa sa kanila ay naawa sa kanya.

Kinulong siya sa isang jail sa Cavite at inilipat siya sa INC central compound ng hindi niya kagustuhan bago nag-utos ang Supreme Court na siya’y pakawalan.

Ang tiyempo o timing at paraan ng pag-aresto kay Menorca noong Miyerkoles ay lantarang kawalan ng paggalang ng INC sa batas.

Alam ng simbahan na papunta si Menorca sa Court of Appeals upang tumestigo, pero inaresto siya dahil sa isang warrant sa isang maliit na kaso.

Inaresto si Menorca na para siyang pusakal na kriminal samantalang ang kaso ay libel, isang non-violent crime.

Sa aking karanasan bilang columnist na maraming kasong libel na isinampa sa akin, sinasabihan ako na may nakasampa na kasong libel sa akin at ako ay pumupunta sa korte.

Hindi naman heinous crime ang libel gaya ng murder, rape o kidnapping. May mga panukala nga na gawin na lang civil case ang libel at hindi criminal case.

Ang libel ay isinampa ng ilang miyembro ng INC kay Menorca sa Lanao del Norte at ang judge at agad na nag-isyu ng warrant laban sa kanya.

Walang subpoena na natanggap si Menorca galing sa piskal ng Lanao del Norte bago isinampa nito ang kaso sa korte.

Ibig sabihin, madalian ang pag-isyu ng warrant kay Menorca .

Ganoon ang kapangyarihan ng INC.

Maraming miyembro ng INC ang nakahawak ng makapangyarihang puwesto sa Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Prosecution Service, sa mga Regional Trial Courts, sa Court of Appeals at maging sa Supreme Court.

Utang nila ang kanilang puwesto sa kanilang simbahan.

May kumakalat na balita, na maaaring eksaherado, na ilang miyembro ng INC ay papatay upang ipagtanggol ang kanilang simbahan, gaya ng mga jihadists na handang pasabugin ang kanilang sarili para sa Islam.

Yan ay dahil sa matagal na indoctrination

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The Police General who served Menorca's arrest is an ACTIVE IGLESIA NI CRISTO member! SHAME!

Courtesy of MR. TED FAILON



WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!

On his way to the court, ex-INC™ Minister was served "Warrant of Arrest" allegely behind is the Iglesia Ni Cristo®

Source: Rappler

Ex-INC minister Menorca arrested on the way to court

The arrest warrant stems from a libel case filed against Lowell Menorca in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte

UNDER ARREST. Ex-Iglesia ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca remains in his vehicle as he awaits Manila Police District chief Rolando Nana following an arrest warrant served by two plainclothes policemen on January 20, 2016. Photo by Lito Boras / Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Former Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) minister Lowell Menorca was arrested by plainclothes policemen in Manila on his way to the Court of Appeals on Wednesday, January 20.

Menorca, who was with wife Seiko, was on his way to court to testify on petitions for writs of habeas corpus and amparo filed by his relatives before the High Court in October 2015.

Interviewed by Ted Failon on radio dzMM, Menorca said he did not even receive any notice of his impending arrest, which stemmed from a libel case filed in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

The warrant was issued by acting presiding Judge Alberto Quinto of Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 12 in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, on December 21, 2015. Bail was set at P10,000.

"Itong mga bagay na ito, hindi ako kayang kumbinsihin na walang kinalaman ang Iglesia ni Cristo (I cannot be convinced that the Iglesia ni Cristo has nothing to do with this)," said Menorca, who was allegedly detained by the INC last year to force him to expose members critical of the chuurch.

There was a nearly two-hour standoff at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue in Manila after two plainclothes policemen – one of them in short pants – attempted to serve the arrest warrant on Menorca.

His wife, Jinky, told Failon that the policemen, who did not even show them their badges to prove their identity, "grabbed" Menorca as soon as he got out of their vehicle to move to another vehicle. One of them even reportedly tore his shirt in the process.

Jinky, who documented the incident, said the police "flashed" an arrest warrant to them but did not let them read it in full.

In the video taken by Jinky, the policemen refused to show their badge to the couple despite their repeated demand, and just said Menorca was under arrest.

WARRANT OF ARREST. The warrant of arrest, dated December 21, 2015, issued by the Regional Trial Court in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Photo by Katerina Francisco/Rappler

Previous abduction

In the radio interview, Menorca reminded police authorities he had a traumatic experience with their colleagues in the past – he had narrated he was detained by policemen in Sorsogon who filed trumped-up charges of illegal possession of explosives, which were eventually dismissed. (READ: INC Minister Lowell Menorca: The story of my kidnapping)

At the time of the interview, the number of policemen surrounding Menorca had swelled to 20, led by Superintendent Ed Leonardo, chief of Manila Police District Station 10.

"Susunod ako sa batas bagama't alam ko na ginagamit nila (INC leadership) ang batas para gipitin ang mga tao na katulad ko. Di ako lalaban. Napapaligiran ako. Gusto lang ng asawa ko, ligtas ako," Menorca said.

(I will follow the law, though I know that they [INC leadership] use the law to harass people like me. I won't fight. I'm already surrounded. My wife just wants to keep me safe.)

Isaias Samson, another former INC minister facing libel charges, earlier said that according to information that he had gathered, other libel cases have been filed against Menorca in different parts of the country, such as Isabela and Cavite, besides Marawi City. (READ: INC minister Isaias Samson: Life in danger)

Menorca said he did not know about these cases because "I have never received any notice."

Menorca requested, through the radio interview, that he be brought to the police station by Manila Police District Chief Senior Superintendent Rolando Nana himself. He didn't want to be handled by policemen who are members or affiliated by the INC.

Nana later heeded the request and escorted Menorca to Station 5, where he was booked and was expected to post bail.

INC spokesman: Face charges

INC spokesman Edwil Zabala said in the same interview that the INC had nothing to do with the arrest, and is not even aware of it. He said those who served the warrant would be in the best position to respond to questions arising from it.

"Itiniwalag na namin si Mr Menorca. Sapat na po 'yun sa panig ng Iglesia. That's the most that can be done as far as his membership in the church is concerned. Ngayon, kung meron siyang dapat na harapin na kaso, harapin po niya. Dapat harapin niya yun at 'wag niyang ibaling sa amin dahil hindi naman po ang organisasyon ng Iglesia ang gustong umaresto sa kanya," Zabala said. [sinungaling!]

(We already expelled Mr Menorca. That's enough on the part of the Iglesia. That's the most that can be done as far as his membership in the church is concerned. Now, if he has to face charges, then he should face them. He should face that and not drag us into it because the organization is not the implementing the arrest order.)

In response, Menorca said he understands the position taken by Zabala as he represents the INC and could not divulge any information unless authorized by the leadership.

"They will continue to deny all of those things. Sabi nila wala silang kinalaman sa arrest warrant, pagsasampa ng kaso sa iba't-ibang panig ng Pilipinas. Alam naman namin lahat na hindi kikilos ang isang kaanib ng organisasyon sa loob ng Iglesia na walang patnubay at pag-utos ng [nasa itaas)," he said. [sinungaling!]

(They say they have nothing to do with the arrest warrant, the filing of cases in different parts of the Philippines. We all know that members of the organization would not move without the guidance and order of the leadership.)

Preliminary investigation?

Menorca's lawyer, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, arrived past 10 am at the MPD Station 5, where Menorca was being held.

Angeles said they were surprised by the arrest, adding that they were not given any notice about the libel complaint against the former minister.

"Walang notice ang client namin, that's why even the fact na libel 'yung kaso, di namin alam. Normally, dadaan sa preliminary investigation. Walang notice ng preliminary investigation," she said.

(Our client did not receive any notice, that's why even the fact that it was a libel case, we did not know. Normally it goes through a preliminary investigation. There was no notice for a preliminary investigation.)

The lawyer added that Menorca's experience in Sorsogon, where he was allegedly abducted supposedly on orders of top INC officials, was always at the back of the family's mind.

Menorca and his family are seeking a writ of amparo to protect themselves, citing continued harassment and threats against them.

A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security has been violated or threatened. A writ of habeas corpus is a legal action sought on behalf of a person who has been unlawfully detained.

In an interview on dzMM on her way to Station 5, Angeles expressed confidence that the court would grant a request for Menorca to give his testimony on another day, if he would be unable to get to the CA for the scheduled hearing.

Asked what would happen if Menorca would not be able to make it to court, Angeles said: "We will ask the court for another setting, considering that this is a matter beyond our control. And we have no doubt that the court, which is a fair court, will grant it."

She added" "Right now, we have to make sure that he's safe. The reason why this case reached the Supreme Court is this is a case for habeas corpus and amparo precisely to protect him from the possibility that he may be harmed. And the people he had accused of attempting to harm him are agents of the law. So even the members of the police would understand this."

‘Inappropriate, questionable’

In Tuguegarao, Cagayan, former justice secretary Leila de Lima questioned how the police served the arrest warrant on Menorca. The senatorial aspirant told Rappler that policemen should be in uniform when they conduct such operations.

"It is questionable. First, are they really police officers, given that they are not in uniform? Second, if they are really police officers, it is very wrong to conduct an operation or you do your job as a police officer without wearing your uniform," she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

De Lima, who was in Tuguegarao on Wednesday for a forum with students of Cagayan State University, said the two policemen who tried to arrest Menorca violated their own operational guidelines in serving warrants of arrest against the accused.

"They should know that because when I was in the CHR (Commission on Human Rights), we helped the PNP (Philippine National Police) in crafting those operational guidelines,” the former CHR chair said.

She said the guidelines were crafted because of increasing complaints of police abuses in the country. – with reports from Katerina Francisco and Raymon Dullana/Rappler.com