De Lima says Samson’s illegal detention case will undergo regular process

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday said that the complaint of serious illegal detention filed by expelled Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) minister Isaias Samson will go through regular process.

De Lima said the complaint would be assigned to a prosecutor or panel of prosecutors for the conduct of the preliminary investigation since its investigation on the complaint is only ministerial for the part of the Department of Justice.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano said they are still conducting evaluation and has not yet finalized the panel for Samson.

Once the case is in the preliminary investigation stage, respondents will be allowed to reply on the complaint of Samson. However, upon filing of complaint, DOJ will then proceed with its preliminary investigation.

Aside from Samson’s complaint against the eight members of the Council of INC, De Lima said complaint filed by expelled INC member Lito Fruto against INC leaders will also go through preliminary investigation.

Samson filed his complaint following nine days of alleged “house arrest” committed against him and his family in their townhouse in Tierra Bella, Quezon City. He claimed the order came from the members of the Council of INC.