CA resets hearing of Menorca case

The Court of Appeals (CA) has rescheduled the cross-examination of expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member Lowell Menorca for the writ of amparo petition filed by his brother Anthony and sister-in-law Jungko in connection with his alleged abduction last year.

Menorca is already under police custody following his surrender for a libel case filed in Mindanao.

READ: Ex-Iglesia minister Lowell Menorca surrenders

During the morning hearing, Menorca’s counsel, Atty. Trixie Angeles assured the court that her client will still appear despite being arrested by the Manila Police. The appeals court, through 7th Division Chairman Associate Justice Magdangal De Leon, ordered a recess.

The hearing resumed at 1 in the afternoon. However, Police Superintendent Thomas Valmonte, Manila Police District’s Legal Officer appeared and told the appeals court that a court order is needed before they can bring Menorca for the hearing.

The appeals court reset the hearing on Jan. 26, 2016.

The petition was filed not only on behalf of Lowell and Jinky but also Yurie, their newly born child and househelp Abegail Yanson.

Jungko, in the petition said that on Oct. 15 she  was prohibited from visiting their family.

READ: SC asked to order Iglesia leaders to produce missing members

Menorca was earlier identified by Isaias Samson Jr., former editor-in-chief of Pasugo, INC’s official publication as the one taken and detained in Cavite for illegal possession of explosives.

Petitioners said Menorca was among those suspected by INC leadership to be Anthony Ebanghelista, the blogger writing against INC. IDL