‘Iglesia ni Cristo protesters merely invoked constitutional rights’

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) who staged a rally in front of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and at the EDSA Shrine that caused monstrous traffic in the area last week merely invoked their Constitutional rights, a Manila City councilor said over the weekend.

Manila Second District Councilor and acting presiding officer Rolan Valeriano said the event has proven that people can express their grievances peacefully.

Valeriano filed Resolution No. 325, lauding the INC for its firmness and being peaceful despite the controversy hounding it.

He urged the DOJ to look into the Mamasapano incident, wherein 44 members of the Special Action Force were killed by a combined force of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters; and  the pork barrel scam.  

“Grievances can be expressed in peaceful way. This is what the INC has shown in their rally,” Valeriano said.

A television network cameraman was beaten up by unruly members of the INC during the group’s rally on EDSA.