MANILA, Philippines — An official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) faces disciplinary action for announcing that the investigation into the alleged abduction by the Iglesia ni Cristo has been terminated.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Monday that Manuel Antonio Eduarte, chief of the NBI’s Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division, was not authorized to talk publicly about the probe.

She said Eduarte was not even part of the team involved in the investigation into the indigenous church.

Due to the wrong announcement, De Lima ordered NBI Director Virgilio Mendez to take disciplinary action against Eduarte.

Anthony Menorca, a brother of INC minister Lowell “Boyet” Menorca II, has been placed by the Department of Justice under the Witness Protection Program.

De Lima said Menorca’s request was granted after he shared very sensitive information that she refused to give details on as the investigation is still ongoing.

Lowell Menorca was allegedly abducted by church officials for being critical of the INC. – Rosette Adel