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Iglesia Ni Cristo has announced the end of its nationwide protest actions the government.
In a short announcement aired over INC-owned channel Net25, general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago said the church leadership has decided to end the protests, citing an “agreement” reached between the INC and the government.
“My Iglesia ni Cristo brethren, we would like to let you know that we have spoken with the government. We had a peaceful meeting and we cleared things up,” he said in Pilipino. “The peaceful gathering that we started on Thursday ends peacefully this Monday morning. Thanks be to God, all glory is his. Long live, Iglesia ni Cristo.”
INC members started massing up in front of the Department of Justice compound on Thursday, calling on DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima to stop her alleged meddling in the group’s affairs, invoking the separation of church and state.
A criminal case had been filed by expelled minister Isaias Samson Jr. against the heads of the religious group. The INC accused the DOJ of selective justice, even as the complaint has yet to be acted upon.
The protest shifted to EDSA on Friday, causing massive traffic jams along the busy thoroughfare. Police estimated that the number of protesters swelled to about 18,000 on Monday.
Controversy has been broiling within the INC after some former ministers accused its leadership of corruption and illegal detention.
Meanswhile, former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello says the government should dislcose any deals it struck that led to the end of the massive protest actions launched the last few days in various parts of the country’s National Capital Region.
“Has the government retreated? Will the case filed by one of their members, will that no longer be pursued?” he asked, noting that if government retreats in this case, it means special interests can dictate on government.
WATCH: THE INC PROTEST THAT SHOOK UP METRO MANILA
Photo: DEnnis Datu, dzMM
This article has been edited and re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
