Family of Angel Manalo’s driver mum on his death

Grieving family members buried Benjamin Arellano Jr., driver of expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo, at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on Saturday, after holding a short and low-key wake in Meycauayan, Bulacan province.

Arellano reportedly died of cardiac arrest Monday night inside the Manalo residence at the INC compound on Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

His death became controversial as messages posted online alleged that he was barred from undergoing a medical checkup while inside the INC compound. Angel Manalo’s lawyer, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, earlier issued a statement saying Arellano was denied medical treatment when the INC leadership disallowed visitors in the Tandang Sora property.

Angel is the brother of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo. He, their mother Tenny and several INC figures were expelled by the politically influential religious group in July after claiming in a YouTube video that their lives were in danger.

They have been holed up in the compound since the internal rift in the INC leadership became public.

Arellano’s widow, Lalaine, refused to discuss the circumstances of his death when the Inquirer saw her early Saturday at the wake held at St. Peter’s Funeral Home in Meycauayan.

She only said that her family was expecting “a visitor” prior to the burial in Marikina. “Our visitor did not arrive, so that’s it. We were told he was coming but he never showed up. We did not have a necrological service,” Lalaine said.

Sources at the funeral parlor said they were not aware of any visit made by any ranking INC official. The employees were also surprised when they received instructions not to disclose details about Arellano’s funeral, the Inquirer learned.

In a message relayed to the Inquirer by a church member, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said: “Any death, whatever the circumstance, is cause for grief and prayer. We commiserate with the family of the deceased. Rest assured that INC leadership will cooperate with the proper authorities to shed light on the passing of Benjamin Arellano Jr. and all on those who may be able to provide information regarding the unfortunate event to do so as well.”

“We likewise plea for restraint and circumspection from the parties involved, as well as the public,” he added. With a report from Erika Sauler