By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent
IGLESIA ni Cristo ministers here yesterday clamped a news blackout on the crisis that has gripped the century-old religious organization as a result of a video showing members of the Manalo family calling for help allegedly because their lives were in danger.
INC leaders here opted to keep mum and did not face reporters who tried to get some clarification and comment about the seeming crisis gripping the religious group.
INC members at the group’s churches on Burgos St. and Barangay Cugman said their ministers were out of the office.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an INC member said the dispute between some members of the Manalo family and the INC’s “Sanggunian” have no effect on the group’s religious activities here.
On Thursday morning, Felix “Angel” Nathaniel Manalo, brother of Iglesia ng Cristo leader Eduardo Manalo, called for help in a video uploaded on Youtube. The video included an audio clip, supposedly of his mother Cristina, corroborating his claims that they were under threat.
Yesterday, ANC New Channel showed Angel subsequently facing reporters and decrying the alleged misuse of INC funds.
He told national television that INC funds have been used for projects like the Philippine Arena, billed as the world’s largest indoor arena in Pampanga, when the money should have been used in building churches. Asked where the alleged threat was coming from, he replied, “Sanggunian.”
City police director Senior Supt. Faro Antonio Olaguera said there was no sign that the INC crisis, resulting from the division in the Manalo family, would spill over to the city.
“No one from the Iglesia here asked for security but we are ready to help if the need arises. Yes, we will provide police security if it is needed and requested by them,” Olaguera said. “And if I may add, our security measures are in place for everyone, INC or not.”
Supt. Lemuel Gonda, city police deputy chief for planning and operations, said they were monitoring the situation and would coordinate with local INC officials.
Gonda said claims that some INC ministers and members have taken hostaged or kidnapped were all unconfirmed.
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