Brother of kidnapped INC minister placed under WPP

MANILA, Philippines - Anthony Menorca, the brother of an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) volunteer minister earlier reported kidnapped, was placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday.

De Lima said she approved the request of Lowell Menorca Jr., the INC volunteer minister, to have his brother placed under government protection.

It was reported that Anthony sought help of the Department of Justice (DOJ) amid threats against his family.

Last July 17, Lowell, who is an INC volunteer minister in Sorsogon, was reported to have been arrested after he allegedly used a grenade to threaten passengers waiting for a ride along a highway in Cavite.

He was detained at the Dasmariñas City police station in Cavite for about a week.

The report quoted the police as saying the complainant had withdrawn the charges of grave threat and illegal possession of explosives against Menorca.

Meanwhile, the expelled family members of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo are still holed up in their compound in Quezon City, just doing “devotional prayers” to rally support.

Roel Rosal, an expelled minister, said Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo and Cristina “Tenny” Manalo – brother and mother of the incumbent INC executive minister –are initiating the devotional prayer at 10 p.m. every night.

He said the prayer is offered for the enlightenment of Eduardo who, according to them, is being influenced by the corrupt members of the INC’s Sanggunian (council).

Rosal also urged supporters to gather outside the Manalo compound and hold a vigil for Eduardo. – Robertzon Ramirez