Documents have surfaced that show that members of the military may be involved in the property dispute between the Iglesia ni Cristo and Angel Manalo and Lottie Manalo-Hemedez, the siblings of Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, which revolve around a property of the INC in 36 Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
The documents, which detail the schedule, movements, and possible scenarios on the day of the Hemedez press conference on Jan. 15, mention “marines” in obvious reference to her security detail. A certain Reuben Santiago, a listed active member of the marines, appears to be the security team leader of Lottie Hemedez, while Lowell Menorca II, appears to be the main organizer.
The marines have been observed accompanying and providing security for Hemedez during her media appearances. They also figured in an altercation with INC security guards when Hemedez attempted to enter the disputed property in Quezon City. Both sides have accused the other of drawing their weapons during the clash.
Asked for comment, INC Spokesman Edwil Zabala said he had no knowledge of the documents, but admitted that the INC “had received reports that armed masked men were seen entering the compound.”
“The presence of these suspicious masked men is one of the reasons we asked Ms. Hemedez and the other expelled members to leave the premises,” said Zabala.
According to the minister, the church had exercised “maximum tolerance” by allowing Hemedez and her family to stay at the property after their expulsion from the INC.
“The presence of armed men at the compound, however, made the arrangement untenable,” Zabala explained, “given the security risks their presence posed with their proximity to the church’s headquarters.”
Zabala said that “the mobilization of marines” as well as the “organized media events” of the Hemedez family “show that there is really a systematic, planned, and concerted effort to taint the reputation of the church.”
“It’s saddening because this is a legal matter for the courts to decide, but the other party is intent on making a media circus out of the case—at the expense of the image of the church and its members.”