Expelled minister files illegal detention raps vs INC execs

MANILA, Philippines - An expelled minister of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Tuesday filed an illegal detention case against eight leaders of the religious organization.

Isaias Samson Jr. claimed that he and his family were placed under house arrest after being accused of publishing a blog entitled "Iglesia Ni Cristo Silent No More."

"Sila ang unang nagtulak sa amin doon sa ginawa nilang kung tawagin ay house arrest at pagkatapos nang kami ay makatakas ay tinutugis pa kami. Ginagamit nila pati mga pulis," Samson said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

The following members of INC's Sanggunian are facing illegal detention charges:

• Glicerio Santos Jr.
• Radel Cortez
• Benvenido Santiago Sr.
• Mathusalem Pareja
• Rolando Esguerra
• Erano Codera
• Rodelio Cabrera
• Maximo Bularan

Samson said that he and his family were only able to escape after pretending to go to church. According to the expelled minister, their passports were confiscated and communication lines in their house were disconnected.

The expelled minister also questioned some of the projects of the religious group, particularly its relief operations for Supertyphoon Yolanda survivors.

In his petition, Samson stated that the organizers of the said project requested P1.7 million for additional rice and transportation for the distribution of relief goods but Santos, head of the Sanggunian, asked for P9 million.

Samson also claimed that he was forced to lie to the public and deny the allegations of Tenny and Angel Manalo, he mother and brother of executive minister Eduardo Manalo, that some of INC's ministers have been abducted.

READ: DOJ can continue probe on Iglesia ni Cristo ministers’ kidnapping – Palace

INC earlier expelled Tenny and Angel after releasing a controversial video asking for help and claiming that their lives were in danger.

Angel then expressed his disappointment over the alleged rampant corruption in the religious organization. INC denied all these allegations and accused Tenny and Angel of attempting to gain sympathy in order to get back in power.