Iglesia ni Cristo leaders skip hearing on ex-minister’s abduction

None of the Iglesia ni Cristo officials and policemen accused of illegal detention showed up at the Department of Justice's preliminary investigation on two complaints filed former ministers of the influential church group.

Complainants Isaias Samson Jr and Jose Fruto both attended the hearing. Samson was accompanied by his fellow co-complainants, wife Myrna and son Isaiah.

"Huwag natin ipikit ang ating mga mata lalo na iyong mga iministro at manggagawa. Alam naman ninyo ang nangyayari... sana po ay God will touch your hearts para sa ganoon ay ma-open na rin ang inyong mga mata," said Samson before the start of the hearing.

The preliminary probe was conducted by a panel composed of Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas, ASP Mark Roland Estepa and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva.

After having the complainants sign and subscribe to their respective affidavits, the panel sought the side of the respondents' lawyers, who opted to no longer present their defense. This prompted the panel to submit the case for resolution.

Named respondents in Samson's complaint were Sanggunian head Glicerio Santos Jr; Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago Sr, Mathusalem Pareja, Rolando Esguerra, Erano Codera, Rodelio Cabrera and Maximo Bularan.

In Fruto's complaints, Santos, Cortez, Pareja, Cabrera, Bularan Esguerra were also named respondents, with Erdz Cordera, Ernesto Suratos, Macleo Ibasco, Bienvenido Benefrido, Benildo Santiago, PO3 Noel Vitug, PO1 Abendano, SPO4 Florentino, SPO1 Rommel Bautista, Senior Superinte Bartolome Bustamante, and Vimar Barcellano, John and Jane Does. —NB, GMA News