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CHR officers visit Manalo compound amid abduction reports




The controversies gripping the Iglesia ni Cristo have also caught the attention of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
 
On Friday, a team from the commission's National Capital Region Office went to Manalo family compund along Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City, a report from GMA News TV's News to Go said.
 
The CHR team, led by investigator Bayani Arago, proceeded to the area to look into reports that some members of the Manalo clan are being illegally detained there. 
 
But the CHR team was refused entry into the compound, the television report said.
 
In a video circulating online, Angel Manalo, brother of current Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, earlier claimed his life is in danger while his mother, Tenny Manalo, also pleaded for help for her children and their friends.
 
"Nananawagan po kami sa inyo dahil nanganganib po ang aming buhay. Sana'y matulungan niyo po kami," Angel said.
 
But on late Thursday, Quezon City police director, Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, said they did not find any "abduction situation" after going to the area. Police, however, were not able to enter the compound.

"Bale nagpapasalamat tayo dahil dumungaw si Angel, at yun nga, medyo maliit lang yung dungaw na ibinigay niya sa atin. Ang pinaka-importante ay nakausap natin sila," he said.
 
Pagdilao repeatedly said the situation seemed to be an internal matter for the Iglesia ni Cristo and the Manalo family.
 
Early Friday, Pagdilao said authorities cannot request a warrant from the courts to enter the Manalo compound because the homeowner himself did not report a crime. 
 
“Wala po tayong basis to request a warrant,” Pagdilao said.
 
Since the crime supposedly happened in a private home, a formal statement from the homeowner is needed before a warrant can be requested. — with Keith Richard D. Mariano/RSJ, GMA News
 
 
 

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