Former Pasugo Editor, Isaias Samson Jr., now in fighting form
‘NOT BY A LONG SHOT’
Ex-minister’s lawyer: Iglesia ni Cristo crisis not yet over
The Iglesia ni Cristo crisis “is not over” contrary to the statements made by executive minister Eduardo Manalo amid allegations of corruption in the Church, its expelled minister, Isaias Samson, Jr., said on Monday.
In a statement, Samson’s lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles said her client, a former editor of “Pasugo,” the Church’s official publication, will continue to seek justice over his and his family’s alleged illegal detention.
“Mr. Samson would like to make it clear, that contrary to the statements made recently by INC Executive Minister, Eduardo Manalo, the crisis brought about by corrupt practices in the said Church, is not over. Not by a long shot,” Angeles said.
“This is not a schism. This is not a doctrinal issue. This is an issue of the frailty and, in some, instances criminal behavior of persons, whom we will later identify in the appropriate cases. His trust in God remains,” she added.
In a separate text message, Angeles said the cases will only be filed “against the men who detained him” and not Manalo.
Iglesia ni Cristo spokesman Edwil Zabala has yet to return phonecalls and text messages sent by GMA News Online as regards the Church’s comments on Angeles’ statement.
Samson previously claimed of being illegally detained by persons identified with the religious group’s Sanggunian.
Along with his family, Samson was expelled from Iglesia ni Cristo for his refusal to submit to the authority of the church. He was also slapped with a libel complaint two weeks ago.
Angeles said her client “will not be silenced” despite the threats on his life coming from certain members of the Sanggunian.
“Mr. Samson needs to speak through his counsel because for the moment, the threat on his life and well-being remains real and continues. Despite this, however, he will not be silenced. He has been removed from the Church, but his devotion to God and his faith are unshaken,” Angeles said.
Zabala earlier denied Samson’s claim that he was held against his will.
“Walang hino-hostage ang Pamunuan ng Iglesia ni Cristo…Kung ikaw ba talaga ay being held against your will, in effect hino-hostage…may kalayaan ka na lumabas dahil nga pupunta ka sa pagsamba? Ang totoo, siya dapat ang magpaliwanag … hindi na Iglesia ni Cristo,” Zabala said. —Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/NB, GMA News
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