Philippine Church Accusing Chris Brown Faces its own Legal Troubles over Alleged Abductions

In this photo taken July 23, 2015, the central temple of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church of Christ is seen in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. A politically influential and secretive Christian church that's involved in a legal dispute with American R&B singer Chris Brown has been caught in a rising tide of its own legal troubles. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) 

By OLIVER TEVES, Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A politically influential and secretive Christian church involved in a legal dispute with American R&B singer Chris Brown has been caught in a rising tide of its own troubles, including allegations of abductions and misuse of funds.

The Philippine government on Friday opened an investigation into allegations that the advisory Council of Iglesia ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, was responsible for abducting ministers critical of church leaders and financial abuse. The announcement by the Justice Department caps months of swirling rumors about corruption and internal feuds in the church, which has been controlled by the founder's family for two generations.

Brown gave a concert in Manila this week but was delayed from leaving because of a fraud complaint filed by a corporation run by the church. It claims it had paid Brown and a promoter $1 million in advance for a New Year's Eve concert at the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena, which he canceled without paying the money back. Brown was allowed to leave Manila late Friday after obtaining clearance.

The church's troubles are apparently unrelated to its tiff with Brown, but could be far more damaging to its reputation by exposing the depth of internal squabbles in the 101-year-old movement. It is also likely to unmask the strong grip it has on its 2.3 million members.

The feud within the close-knit church became public this week when the mother and a brother of the group's head, Eduardo Manalo, were expelled after they sought help from other members in a YouTube message, saying they were in danger and that several ministers had gone missing.

The brother, Felix Nathaniel Manalo, spoke out on Thursday against what he said were various anomalies in the church's operations, saying funds "are being used up in all sorts of projects which we don't even need."

One of the projects, he said, was the Philippine Arena, claimed to be the world's biggest indoor stadium where Brown was to have performed last New Year's Eve and where the 100th anniversary of the movement was celebrated last year.

"We have been threatened by the Council ... because they say we are opposing the leader," he said. "We love our brother, but the problem is those around him."

Another mysterious expense by the church, which was not mentioned by Felix Nathaniel, was its purchase of the U.S. ghost town of Scenic, South Dakota, for less than $800,000, the same year that construction of the arena began. The church has not disclosed its plan for the abandoned town.

Isaias Samson, a minister and former editor-in-chief of the Iglesia newspaper, told reporters that he, his wife and son were held under "house arrest" by armed guards allegedly on orders of the church Council for a week before they escaped early Thursday.

"It is very difficult to talk about things that we know will damage the Iglesia because of the actions of some people," he said, adding that about 10 ministers have been abducted.

With the controversy building up, the Justice Department announced it has opened an investigation.

The government cannot intervene in Iglesia's squabbles but abductions are crimes that the National Bureau of Investigation will probe, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters.

The church believes that Jesus is the son of God, but it does not believe in the Holy Trinity as do Roman Catholics — the predominant religion in the Southeast Asian nation. Iglesia commands political influence because its members vote as a bloc in national elections, making them highly sought after by politicians, especially presidential aspirants.

The movement's founder, Felix Manalo, broke away from the Catholic Church and is regarded by his followers as a prophet. He died in 1963, and was succeeded by his son, Erano Manalo, until his death in 2009, when another Manalo son took over as "executive minister."

Garbage Problem in The Philippines

The problem is not new and everywhere in the Philippines:

CdeO garbage woes may drive investors away

By 

PAMELA JAY F. ORIAS

(Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro's File Photo)

WITH the garbage situation in Cagayan de Oro city getting worst, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI–Oro Chamber) fears the city may lose its prospective investments if this problem remains unattended.

Cerael Donggay, president of Oro Chamber, said the City Local Environment and Natural Resources (Clenro) has sought for the chamber's help regarding the waste disposal problem.

"Naa ta'y gipang-assign diha to manage and recommend solutions, we are working with them," said Donggay.

Donggay urged the City Council to approve appropriate budget for development projects saying, "If they have a problem or issue with themselves, people's welfare should not be at stake. Budget should be released for infrastructure, solid waste management, traffic congestion solutions and many other pressing issues sa city."

He added that these problems including garbage may eventually cause loss of investments for the city.

Meanwhile, environment advocates are dismayed with the City Government for its continuing neglect of the garbage problem in the city.

“Cagayan de Oro is very dirty, dirty talaga, nanghihinayang ako,” said lawyer Normita Batula, executive director of Balaod Mindanaw.

She said the situation does not reflect a developed and successful city.

"To be fair, there are areas na malinis naman pero pag dumaan ka sa areas na yun nang umaga, ang dumi talaga. There has to be a proper dumpsite here," Batula said.

Batula cited that Solid Waste Management must be enforced and make each citizen responsible to segregate waste. “But, the waste collection is the duty of the City Government.”

She urged the local officials lack the political will to implement policies on proper waste disposal adding that if these officials have it, “They can use it to develop other ways to lessen the garbage produced every day in the city.”

She also raised the non-observance of the city ordinance regulating the distribution of plastic bags and requiring establishments additional charge from customers asking for the plastic bags.

A penalty amounting to P5,000 and suspension or cancellation of business can be imposed by violators.

"LGUs clearly do not observe this ordinance obviously, daghan kaayo tay plastic sa palibot."

Batula added that strong coordination between residents and the local government will help lessen the problem.

"It's about time we move and really do something about this," she said.

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on July 26, 2015.

Going the extra mile for public service

(Comval SP Member  Uy’s journey to Brgy. Manurigao, New Bataan)

By Fe F. Maestre

New Bataan, Compostela Valley –   Sans a chopper or any convenient mode of transportation, Senior Board Member (BM) Tyron Uy choose to brave the long, bumpy and difficult road going to one of the far-flung barangays in New Bataan. Intermittently  hiking uphill and downhill for several hours then riding on a single motor, the young legislator wanted to personally experience and see for himself the needs and situation of the tribal villagers.

“I'm not an outdoor climber, not a seasoned backpacker and definitely not the bravest man in town but because of public service, there are some things that I am willing to risk for the benefit of my constituents...I chose what's in my heart and  be able to feel and experience the life of our people way beyond our comfort zones,” Uy said.

Manurigao, a predominantly Mandaya tribe, is 36 kilometres away from the main town Cabinuangan of New Bataan or about a 5-hour travel by single motorcycle. This only mode of transportation is also modified with its wheels wrapped in drive chains to help it have more traction on the sandy and gravelly road, it also has a motor trail.

Motor drivers are also a league of their own as they expertly traverse through winding and sometimes treacherous road with the fare ranging from P500-P1,000 each plus a P10/kilo  fee for the goods they bring with them.

Aside from the road condition, BM Uy, who heads the Committee on Health and Social Services, also took note of their health concerns.

“It is very hard for the people there who have health issues as they have to travel long distances. What’s more during emergency cases as they might not be able to get to the hospital quickly,”  he said. 

To date, initial road development plans were already put in place by the local government while work is in progress to answer the need on road access in the area. Meanwhile, after his trip to Manurigao and discussing the town’s issues and concerns,  the provincial government commits to conduct medical outreach on September or within the year through the Health Office (PHO).

Welcome sight

Arriving at past 2 in the afternoon of July 14, BM Uy, DepEd-Comval  Education Supervisor Ruben Reponte, and the rest of the team were met warmly by the townsfolk. Indeed, a welcome sight among the villagers who seldom meet and see visitors due to the remoteness of the place. 

“Di masukod ang among kalipay sa pag-abot nila labi na nga nagselebrar mi sa ika-9^th Araw ng Manurigao tungod kay daghan ang misaksi sa among mabulukong selebrasyon,”  said Barangay Captain Marcos Lino.
  

Most especially, he took note of the time and effort exerted by BM Uy’s group just to be with his people and hear their concerns. In fact, the young legislator is the first provincial elected official who ever set foot on this quaint town.

BM Uy, who is also the Education and Information Technology chairman, also commented on the lack of a public high school in the barangay as an aftermath of Typhoon Pablo and, again, has already raised the concern to the Department of Education-Comval.

“We target to re-open (HS) on August this year creating an integrated school for elementary and high school in Manurigao,”  Reponte said. 

Cultural immersion and nature beckons

And yet despite the difficult road travel, one can’t help but be amazed by the lush greenery and wide mountain range of New Bataan.  It is a blissful respite as, along the way, they’re greeted with wild flora, fresh spring water and a picturesque view of nature’s bounty. The fresh air, already crisp and cold, at a height reaching more than 1,500 above sea level (ASL). 

And topping it all is the barangay’s pride---the Malumagpak falls. It is about a two-hour trek from Manurigao passing Sitios Tuwali and Biyangungan and has three cascading waterfalls. Each waterfall reaches so high that it will dwarf a person standing below it.

It was also an immersion for the group as they experience Mandaya’s culture and way of life. Their brand of hospitality showing as they tasted the locally produced wine “biya-is,” which is made of wild ginger they call “pangla” and food cooked in bamboo or “lyurot.”  All the while, they are entertained with the sweet, haunting music emanating from a flute-like instrument they call “Tuwali.”

“Mao ni ang ginapatugtug sa mga Mandaya kung gikapoy siya gikan sa trabaho, o sa kalaay...kung naa siya sa kaguul ug ingon man sa kalipay o kun naa siya’y gipahinungdan sama sa usa ka babaye,”  Teacher Shen, who is an elementary school teacher, explained.

All in all, it was an unforgettable and significant experience for BM Uy as he thanked the people of Manurigao and those who went with him including Councillor Geraldford Balbin and  the rest of the group.

“The best part of our journey?  It’s the people. Their smiling faces really captivated our hearts and brought us hope--a hope for a better future,” he ended.  (Fe F. Maestre/IDS Comval)

"TINDOG COMVAL! WALANG IWANAN!"