A look of exasperation can be seen in CHR investigator Jun Nalangan’s face after a woman from inside 36 Tandang Sora refused to let him inside the INC property to investigate an alleged complaint from the occupants of the property.
(Eagle News) — For the sixth time, representatives of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) were again denied entry by complainants, expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo members, who are illegally staying in the INC property.
This in spite of the baseless reports made by their sympathizers to the commission.
The CHR representatives expressed their exasperation on the lack of cooperation of the settlers in 36 Tandang Sora. CHR-National Capital Region Special Investigator Jun Nalangan said that it is “a big question on their part” that the occupants and sympathizers of 36 Tandang Sora will call them for help but will not allow them to see their condition.
The sixth visit of the CHR also dispelled rumors circulated by the sympathizers of 36 Tandang Sora that the INC security guards are not allowing food to be delivered to the occupants.
CHR rep sees nothing wrong with INC security protocols
The CHR representatives saw for themselves that the INC guards allowed food packages into the property, after proper inspection which is just normal security protocol.
Nalangan he saw nothing wrong with the security protocols implemented by the INC – which is the owner of the 36 Tandang Sora lot — like inspecting packages delivered for the occupants.
“Wala naman masama (sa) security concerns. (There is nothing wrong with these security concerns),” Nalangan said.
After being denied entrance for the nth time by the complainants themselves, the CHR is planning to just summon the representatives of the concerned parties to its office to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, INC spokesperson minister Edwil Zabala also reiterated that the illegal occupants of the INC property– Angel Manalo and Lottie Hemedez — “violate(d) the civil and political right to security of those who work in the INC Central Office as well as the exclusive economic right of the Church members for the use and enjoyment of its properties.”
He said that these persons “have no legal title whatsoever to the said Church property and their forgery claim against the leadership of the Church has already been rightfully dismissed.”
“As custodians of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, our officials have both the legal authority and moral responsibility to ensure that its properties are used properly and in accordance with the teachings of the Church, and not for illegal activities,” minister Zabala said in a statement.
“Armed men” still inside T. Sora property
The INC spokesperson also expressed apprehension that there were still “armed men” — apparently sympathizers of the illegal occupants at 36 Tandang Sora — who remain inside the INC property.
“We remain, therefore, gravely concerned about the presence of armed men currently residing in the said property without the consent of the Church. Allow us to stress once more that we do not know the identities of these armed men, or why they are using this particular Church property as their quarters – an arrangement that was not sanctioned nor permitted by Church leadership,” Zabala said.
“ We wish to emphasize that we will continue to exercise our rights as the legitimate owner.”
Zabala stressed that the “unauthorized presence of unknown and armed men at the said property, located in such close proximity to the Central Office – where Church officials work and where our Executive Minister, Ka Eduardo V. Manalo, currently resides – is a legitimate security concern for us, just as it would be for any property owner similarly situated.”
He, however, said that the INC “will continue to exercise restraint with those who have publicly shamed us and sown intrigues against the Church.”
“ We, however, ask them again earnestly to end their attacks so that our membership can worship in peace, and our leadership can quietly focus on the services and programs of the Church,” he added.
