PNoy: Groups opposed to us exploited INC protest

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III explained on Tuesday how the recent Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) protest was resolved.

In a media forum aired on state-run People's Television, Aquino said there were non-INC groups who joined the protest on EDSA more than a week ago.

"In gist, what their spokesman said na 'nagkaunawaan' I think represents clearly what was achieved. There were groups out to create divisions, trying to exploit fears," Aquino said.

"And we were able to clarify each other's positions with regard to this matter. So we came to that agreement and they recalled all of their followers afterwards," he added.

Aquino said the groups are known to be anti-administration.

"May mga intelligence reports tayo bago ‘non na itong mga taong itong identified with various groups that have been opposed to us even before I started in office, who were participants in this particular event, trying to exploit it for their own and separate agenda," Aquino said.

In dealing with the INC, Aquino said he never spoke to Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.

Aquino said he sent Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa "to clearly state what the government’s positions were: that everybody’s rights will be protected."

He said Ochoa also spoke to INC senior officials during the Cabinet meeting on August 30.

The INC launched a five-day protest against the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into the alleged forced detention of expelled church members.

The DOJ is probing the harassment, illegal detention, threats and coercion charges filed by expelled minister Isaias Samson Jr. and his family against leaders of the church.

The protesting INC members criticized the supposed unfair treatment of the DOJ over the filed charges.

Calling for respect for the separation of church and state, INC members urged the government not to meddle with the internal matters of the church.

Aquino assured that the government will be fair in handling the INC case.

"The case will stand or fall on its merits," he said.