Iglesia ni Cristo claims members prevented from joining protest

(Updated 6:01 a.m.) Iglesia ni Cristo spokesperson Edwil Zabala, in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB's James Agustin, claimed early Monday morning that church followers from the north and south of Metro Manila were being prevented from joining the protest on EDSA-Shaw.

INC Edwil Zabala: There are reports na hinarang ang ilang miyembro ng INC mula sa northern at southern part. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/fGtsbLZBYJ

— James Agustin ??? (@_jamesagustin) August 30, 2015

Zabala also said that the number of protesters should also prove that the group was united, and that there was no split in the church.

According to an Eastern Police District estimate, some 22,000 people had joined the protest at EDSA.

Mga kaanib ng INC sa EDSA-Shaw Blvd.: "10, 9, 8, 7 .... 2, 1 We are ONE! INC!" @dzbb pic.twitter.com/VKCwBOqyKV

— James Agustin ??? (@_jamesagustin) August 30, 2015

Nevertheless, Zabala said that the church realized that its protest had inconvenienced commuters and motorists. "Sa una ay normal na magalit [ang mga commuters at motorista] at naiintindihan namin 'yun. Hindi namin ginusto na pumunta rito pero ginulo kami," he explained.

Later, during the GMA 7 morning show "Unang Hirit", Zabala again apologized for the inconvenience they caused. He further explained that the Iglesia ni Cristo had no option but to protest, otherwise the consequences to the church would be much graver than having the ire of the commuting and motoring public directed at them.

Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte denied that the government was harassing the Iglesia ni Cristo, and said that the Justice Department was following the proper procedure in dealing with the complaint against the church, GMA 7 morning news program “Unang Balita” reported. — DVM/KG, GMA News