PNP on alleged Iglesia ni Cristo abductions: Somebody has to file complaints

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said that somebody has to step up and file complaints about the alleged abductions in Iglesia ni Cristo before authorities can take a step further into their investigation on the matter.

In an interview, Marquez said, "Katulad nu'ng from the very beginning na we alerted the investigation team sa CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), may mga liaisoning na ginagawa, nobody came forward to file complaints."

"Nandiyan naman 'yung CIDG natin, available to hear complaints kung somebody will step forward," he added.

He said this also applies to the case of a minister of Iglesia ni Cristo who was reportedly abducted, but who turned out to be detained by the Dasmariñas police for a week.

The minister, Lowell Menorca, was released on Sunday.

Marquez said he is having the case reviewed. He added that authorities thought Menorca's wife was going to file a complaint, but didn't show up.

"Sabi nila from newspaper accounts, he was taken into custody as early as July 17, two Fridays ago, and may other cases na sinasabi sila. Ngayon ang pinapalabas ng tao he was abducted, hindi naman pala... 'Yung asawa niya, akala namin she would step up and file complaints, hindi naman dumating," he said.

Asked if the wife was missing, he said, "Palagay ko wala [namang ganoon] kasi may contacts sa ibang CIDG personnel. Siguro hindi lang sumisipot. More investigation lang." -Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/NB, GMA News