New PNP chief unaware of Iglesia ni Cristo, lobby

New PNP Chief Police Director Ricardo Marquez. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

The new chief of the Philippine National Police said Thursday he was not aware that Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) had lobbied for him to be appointed the country’s top cop.

Director General Ricardo Marquez also said the PNP was not involved in the alleged harassment in connection with the feud within the Manalo family, which runs INC.

“I’m not aware of any group that lobbied for me, as I never asked (for) any,” Marquez said.

Asked to comment on allegations that policemen were involved in the alleged kidnapping of INC ministers and members of the Manalo family, Marquez said: “The PNP is not in any manner involved in any harassment or alleged illegal activities perpetrated by some groups related to the squabble in the INC and I will never tolerate the same.”

Marquez was dragged into the power struggle in INC after supposed supporters of Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Villanueva Manalo claimed that the INC had lobbied for him to be appointed PNP chief.

The 54-year-old Marquez assumed the post last week.