Manalo clan's family feud becomes public as Iglesia ni Cristo marks 101st year

Published July 23, 2015 2:15pm

Cracks in the unity of the Manalos, the clan behind the century-old Iglesia ni Cristo, became public Thursday, when a YouTube video began circulating on social media.

The 1-minute 54-second video shows Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo, asking the public for help, saying his life is in danger. "Nananawagan po kami sa inyo dahil nanganganib po ang aming buhay. Sana'y matulungan niyo po kami." (We are appealing to you because our lives are in danger. We hope that you can help us.)

The second half of the video shows a picture and the voice of Tenny Manalo, widow of Iglesia ni Cristo's late Executive Minister, Erdy. Mrs. Manalo pleaded for help for her children and their friends.

"Saklolohan ninyo ang aking mga anak, si Angel at Lottie, at ang kanilang mga kasama," she pleaded. "Tulungan niyo rin ang mga ministro na dinukot, at hanggang ngayon ay di pa nakikita."

According to reports, the Iglesia ni Cristo is facing a power struggle. The church was founded by Felix Manalo in 1914, and was succeeded by Erdy Manalo, who served as Executive Minister for 46 years.

Eduardo Manalo succeeded his father after his death in 2009, and is presently the Executive Minister of the INC.

Near the end of the video, he was addressed by Mrs. Manalo who implored, "Sa aking anak na si Eduardo, sana makausap kita." - JESSICA BARTOLOME/RSJ/JJ, GMA News

Tags: iglesianicristo