‘INC still strong despite controversies’

MANILA, Philippines - The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is standing firm on its foundation despite the various challenges and controversies it encountered this year, its spokesman said yesterday.

In a statement to The STAR, Edwil Zabala said 2015 was still a “good year” for the church with its record-breaking activities and the continuation of various public livelihood programs.

He said among the challenges they faced are the filing of illegal detention and harassment charges in August against INC officials, which were dismissed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for lack of evidence.

 “We are humbled by the vindication offered by our legal system. That being said, the INC would rather focus, as it has always in the past, on our activities and assistance efforts,” Zabala stated.

In October, “Felix Manalo,” a movie depicting the life of church founder Felix Manalo, entered the Guinness world records by being awarded citations for “largest attendance for a film screening” and “largest attendance for a film premiere.” The biopic, produced by Viva Films and helmed by award-winning director Joel Lamangan, performed well at the box office.

These were not the first world records set by the INC, Zabala said. In February 2014, its Worldwide Walk for Yolanda victims set two Guinness world records for the largest charity walk in a single venue, as well as for the largest charity walk in 24 hours.

The church also inaugurated a new, self-sustaining, 100-hectare eco-farming site in Paracale, Camarines Norte in November to assist members of the province’s indigenous Kabihug community.

Zabala said the church is always ready to extend assistance to victims of typhoons and other calamities, all year round.