DOJ Dismisses Cases Against Iglesia Ni Cristo

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano approved the recommendation of a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel to dismiss the complaints of former INC minister Isaias Samson Jr. and former member Jose Norlito Fruto in two separate resolutions dated Nov. 13 but disclosed to media only Tuesday

Last June, former Iglesia Ni Cristo Minister Isais Samson Jr., and former member Norlito Fruto files two separate cases against the influential religion. The claims include grave threats and illegal detention.

The Supreme Court said the claims lack evidence prompting the agency to dismiss both charges.

In his complaint, Samson claimed that he and his family were detained for almost a week upon orders of the INC governing council and were only able to escape after tricking the guards at the INC Central Temple complex in Quezon City where they used to reside.

He named INC council members Glicerio Santos Jr., Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago Sr., Mathusalem Pareja, Rolando Esguerra, Eraño Codera, Rodelio Cabrera and Maximo Bularan Jr. as respondents in the complaint of illegal detention, threats, harassment and coercion that he filed in August.

The ousted minister also accused them of compelling him to admit that he was the mysterious blogger Antonio Ebangelista and to name other ministers who gave the information used in the blog.

The massive group staged a protest rally against the former DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima last couple of months, but the five-day protest ended after the INC and Macanang Palace reached into an undisclosed agreement.

Supporters of both complainants are worried that the life of Samson and Fruto will now be in danger after the cases are dismissed, and the witness protection program will not in effect anymore.

/Marife Valte/

 

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