MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News Service, August 28) – In order to show unity within the church, a very large number of members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjacent provinces are gathering outside the compound of Department of Justice (DOJ) Main Office at Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila, since 12nn of August 27, 2015.
As of the moment, members are occupying the area from Taft Ave corner Ayala Blvd to Taft Avenue corner, making these areas not passable to vehicles. More and more brethren are expected to be within the vicinity.
This gathering, which is a happy and peaceful rally in nature, is the members answer to the Church Administration’s call to show their support in defending the church’s right to practice religion.
The main purpose of the activity is to voice out the church’s grievance against the special treatment given by DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima to the case filed by expelled minister Isaias Samson, Jr.
The INC members want the Philippine government to prioritize on the things they should be focusing on, such as the death of 44 Personnel of Special Action Force in the Mamasapano Massacre, and not in the internal affairs of the church.
They raise that the DOJ should implement fair and unbiased justice. As what is stated in the Press Release of INC, “The least we can expect from the Department of Justice is JUSTICE”.
They also raise what is stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, that is the Separation of Church and State is Inviolable (Article II, Section 6). Therefore, the government should not meddle in the church’s affairs.
Around 5pm, an improvised stage with a big LED screen was set. A few hours after 9, the Press Release of INC last August 26 was shown. A Short clip of De Lima’s interview was also played.
A program was held to entertain the members and to maintain the joyful mood of the said activity. There were song and dance numbers performed by some members.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms were experienced by the assemblers but these did not stop the brethren from continuing the program. Umbrellas were given to those who were not able to bring.Brethren also showed their care for each other by sharing food, water, and other basic needs.
(written by Ronnie Boy Caguioa, photos by Eureka Grapa, Efren Tercias, Jessie Crisologo and Gio Burgos)
