QCPD: No hostage taking at Manalo house

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) denied reports that the brother and sisters of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo  are being held hostage inside their house.

QCPD chief Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao on Thursday night personally went to the house of Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo in Tandang Sora, Quezon City to verify news reports of alleged hostage taking.

Pagdilao managed to speak with Angel who opened one of the doors of the house's gate.

"Ako ay naniniwalang walang hostage taking na nangyari, walang violence," Pagdilao said after inquiring about Angel and other members of the household inside the residence.

In a brief interview with reporters, Angel also denied they are being held hostage.

"Meron lang po isang batang nagbibiro," he said, referring to a sign on one of the windows of the house placed by an unidentified person who claimed they are being held hostage.

Angel also said that people who are around his brother Eduardo are corrupting the INC organization. 

"Nasira na po ng doktrina ng Iglesia ni Cristo," he said.

He also claimed the mismanagement of the INC funds and questioned the construction of the record-breaking Philippine Arena in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

"Meron po kasi tayong mga construction na hindi dapat sana naipagawa kaya nahihirapan yung iba sa maintenance cost n'on... kasama na 'yung Philippine Arena," he said.

The INC leadership has earlier expelled Angel and his mother, Tenny Manalo, for creating division inside the religious organization.