De Lima confirms brother of ‘abducted’ INC minister now under WPP

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Saturday confirmed that the brother of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) minister Lowell Menorca II had been placed under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP).

De Lima said Anthony Menorca was placed under the WPP because he sought government’s protection due to threats to himself and his family.

“Yes [he has been placed under WPP] because he asked for protection,” De Lima said in a text message on Saturday.

Menorca’s brother Lowell was earlier identified by Isaias Samson Jr., former editor in chief of Pasugo, INC’s official publication, as allegedly abducted in Sorsogon, taken and detained in Cavite for illegal possession of explosives.

He was released by the police on July 26.

Anthony claimed that his family members were being held against their will at INC’s central office.