Parents of Menorca’s helper seek daughter’s release

MANILA, Philippines – The parents of the helper of expelled Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) minister Lowell Menorca II have appealed to the public to help release their daughter, who is allegedly being held against her will to testify against the church.

Roselie Yanson, 47, said Abegail, 24, is being pressured by Menorca to testify on the illegal detention case he filed against leaders of the INC.

“She is being forced to testify. But she does not know what to say,” Roselie told journalists at the Eagle Broadcasting Corp. (EBC), a media unit of the INC, on Friday.

Menorca has filed illegal detention case against some INC officials, claiming he was held for three months on suspicion that he was behind efforts to attack the INC leadership.

Roselie said the last time she saw her daughter was on July 16.

She said Abegail is the nanny of Menorca’s children, but her salary has not been paid for 10 months now.

Abegail’s father, Candido Jr., 49, said the last time he saw his daughter was on Aug. 29, when he brought some of Menorca’s belongings to the INC compound. 

He said Abegail wanted to go with them to Bulan, Sorsogon at the time, but Menorca allegedly stopped them.

Candido said they have lost communication with their daughter and are worried about her safety.

He said they would be forced to file charges against Menorca if he will not release his daughter.