PNP asks Manila police to explain Menorca's arrest

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has asked officials of the Manila Police District to explain the controversial arrest of former Iglesia ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca on Wednesday morning.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said they are asking the MPD to submit an official report on the arrest because the police leadership's information on the arrest only came from media reports.

Mayor, meanwhile, declined to comment on the video taken by Menorca's wife, Jinky Otsuka, while the former Iglesia minister was being apprehended by two alleged policemen wearing civilian clothes.

He added that if some groups feel that something was wrong with the arrest, they can file complaints before the PNP leadership, the National Police Commission and other appropriate agencies.

Mayor clarified that policemen can make arrests even without presenting an arrest warrant, but the document has to be produced at the police station or any other police offices where the suspect will be booked.

He added that policemen are not required to wear uniforms during arrests, based on the police operational procedure.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana had said earlier that the two policemen who initially attempted to arrest Menorca are spotters.

The initial attempt to arrest Menorca was at the corner of Nakpil Street and Taft Avenue in Manila.

Menorca and his wife were on their way to the Court of Appeals when the policemen tried to serve a warrant of arrest against the former Iglesia minister.

Menorca was scheduled to be cross-examined at the appellate court on the serious illegal detention case he filed against Iglesia officials, including its executive minister Eduardo Manalo.

The hearing has been postponed due to Menorca's arrest. The former Iglesia minister has been detained at the MPD Station 5 in Ermita, Manila.

MPD Station 10 commander, Superintendent Edilberto Leonardo, had said that the arrest order was based on a libel charge against Menorca in Marawi City.

In an interview with GMA News, Leonardo said that he received the warrant of arrest on Tuesday night from a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Leonardo had admitted that he is also a member of the religious sect. He said that he did not personally know the Iglesia member who gave him the copy of the arrest order.

He also said that the Iglesia member asked not to be named.

Leonardo said when he confirmed that the document was authentic, he immediately ordered his men to serve the arrest warrant.

He said his men coordinated with MPD Station 5, which has jurisdiction over Malate district, before effecting the arrest.

Leonardo said he will face the charges that may be filed against him.

He reiterated that his religious affiliation had nothing to do with his actions. He said he was only doing his job. —ALG, GMA News