No hostage-taking in Manalo residence, says QC police chief

After more than one hour of talks with expelled executives of Iglesia ni Cristo–Cristina “Tenny” Villanueva Manalo and Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Villanueva Manalo, mother and brother of the church’s executive minister Eduardo V. Manalo–police concluded early Friday that no hostage-taking took place in the Quezon City residence of the Manalo matriarch.

Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao talked with “Ka Angel” himself in front of the residential gate.

“Walang naviolate sa kanila. Hindi sila nasaktan sa loob. There’s no abduction in this house,”  Pagdilao told reporters staking out in front of the Manalo residence along Tandang Sora avenue early Friday.

Angel refused to allow policemen to enter the compound despite repeated calls to the Manalos over a megaphone. Pagdilao said Angel had told him that there were three families inside the residence and they were all safe.

“They were asking for private time. Ka Angel said they were all tired,” Pagdilao said

A few minutes later, INC spokesman Edwil Zabala arrived at the residence and spoke with Pagdilao and later to the media.

“There is no hostage. There is no abduction. No one is being held against their will,” Zabala said in Filipino.

Zabala also slammed Angel and Tenny Manalo for accusing INC leaders, particularly Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, of being corrupt.

“Walang ginagawa ang kapatid na Eduardo Manalo sa kanila. Malinis ang pamamahala niya (Brother Eduardo Manalo is not doing anything to them. His administration is free from anomalies).”

Zabala also said Angel and Tenny’s “lies” justified the INC administration’s decision to expel them. The INC leadership also expelled siblings of Marco Eraño Villanueva Manalo and Lolita “Lottie” Manalo Hemedez.Their expulsions came as the INC prepared for its 101st anniversary on July 27 which will be celebrated this weekend.

Appealing for help, Angel and Tenny posted video on YouTube on Wednesday night, saying their lives were “in danger.” And on Thursday morning, handwritten signs that read “Tulong. Hostage kami” were seen posted on the windows at the Manalo residence.

Another sign was also seen from the window, saying there were armed personalities surround their compound.

But Angel later told the police that the handwritten signs were false calls for help, saying these were only written by playing children.

Asked if the Manalos could be held liable for causing public alarm and scandal, Pagdilao said: “I don’t think they caused alarm because it was quiet inside the compound.” RA/KS