Members arrive for Cebu protest as Iglesia ni Cristo ends rallies

CEBU CITY — Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) started arriving at the church in Gen Maxilom Avenue here early Monday morning for protests against the government’s alleged meddling in the sect’s affairs even as their leaders announced the end to their rallies.
The INC was to hold a protest march here to show support for the Church leaders and protest what they perceived as undue attention given by the Department of Justice on the case filed by Isaias Samson Jr., a former minister expelled by the church last month.
About 20,000 INC members were expected to participate in the rally.
Aside from church members from Cebu, thousands were expected to arrive from Bohol and Negros provinces.

However, an announcement by INC spokesman, Bienvenido Santiago, aired over INCTV and Net 25, declared that the rally had ended.
Bro. Rommel Panares, a minister in Cebu South District, said with this announcement, the planned peaceful protest rally scheduled to be held at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City port area would not push through.
Those on their way to Cebu City have been informed and told to no longer proceed to Cebu City, Panares said.
He added that the INC members were happy that there was a peaceful resolution to the protest.
Meanwhile, the INC members who have gathered at Church used the opportunity to renew acquaintances and friends and make new ones, taking pictures for posting on their Facebook accounts.
The INC members started arriving early morning Monday.

RELATED STORIES

Iglesia ni Cristo ends protest actions

Iglesia ni Cristo protester at Edsa rally: ‘Wala kaming napala. Nagpagod lang kami’

Iglesia ni Cristo leaders ‘manufacturing revolution,’ says former minister’s lawyer