MANILA, Philippines – The Iglesia Ni Cristo has warned the public not to be deceived by individuals, groups and corporations established by its expelled members, who have reportedly been trying to solicit funds and donations and using the name and seal of the INC in their activities to mislead people.
The INC statement, which was also contained in print advertisements, referred to two groups established by the expelled INC members.
One group of expelled members in the United States registered a corporation called “Restore the Church Fund” under Corporate Number C3820136.
The other group was registered in the Philippines as “Restore the Church Asia Group Inc.,” which was under registration number CN201523134.
“These groups have been maliciously and fraudulently representing themselves as members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo,” the statement read.
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said the church decided to issue and release the statement “to protect the public from being deceived and misled by these people.”
The INC added that it “has not authorized the establishment of any of these corporations.”
Zabala also appealed to the public to report to the INC central office any information about such “deceitful, fraudulent or unscrupulous activities” by these groups and individuals.
Earlier, the INC had filed an infringement case against an expelled INC minister, Farley de Castro, for using the INC seal in an activity that did not have anything to do with the church.
There were pictures of him wearing a t-shirt with the logo or seal of the INC.
He also had a tarpaulin using the INC seal in an activity in Panacan, Davao City.