Iglesia ni Cristo spokesman: We have no control over housing unit of Manalo kin

(Updated 12:09 a.m., July 24) A spokesman of the Iglesia ni Cristo said late Thursday evening that they have "no control" over the residential area, where apparently estranged relatives of the church's Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo claim they are being held against their will.

 

The spokesman, who identified himself as Kapatid Edwil Zabala, also said in a huddle with news media along Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City, that they are posing no objection or hindrance to what he said is a request of Police Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao to enter the housing compound to ascertain the condition of the residents.

Police were able to enter part of the compound and talk to Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo through the window to determine that he and the others were safe.

"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," Pagdilao said. He added that Angel told police that there were no laws being violated.

"'Di dila nasasaktan sa loob," Pagdilao said, later adding "walang abduction na sinasabi dito."
— ELR/JDS, GMA News