PNP chief ‘unaware’ INC lobbied for his appointment

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

Director General Ricardo Marquez added that the PNP was not related to the alleged harassment of INC ministers in the ongoing power struggle among members of the influential group.

“I’m not aware of any group that lobbied for me as I never asked any,” the PNP chief said on Thursday.

Asked to comment on allegations that policemen were involved in the abductions of INC ministers and members of the Manalo family, Marquez also denied this.

“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,” he said.

Marquez was dragged into the power struggle inside the INC after supposed supporters of “Ka Angel” Manalo claimed that the INC had lobbied for him to be named as PNP chief.

The 54-year-old Marquez only assumed his post last week.