...seeks ‘divine guidance’ anew

Acting police chief Deputy Director General Leandro Mendoza and five other police generals asked for "divine providence" during a meeting yesterday with Jesus is Lord Movement leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva, the third religious group the top police officers consulted in the last two weeks.

Clad in their piña-made barongs, Mendoza along with Directors Thomas Lantion and Cecilio Penilla, Chief Superintendents Edgar Salvante, Rex Piad and Reynaldo Velasco, sought spiritual guidance from JIL leader Villanueva.

"We are seeking blessings and prayers for the success of the plans of the Philippine National Police (PNP)," Mendoza told Villanueva, whose group boasts of its full-backing for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Mendoza explained that the PNP under his leadership is seeking divine providence as part of the continuing guidance from the EDSA People Power II experience.

Only last Thursday, Mendoza courted "guidance" from Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, following an earlier courtesy call to Minister Eraño Manalo, founder of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

President Arroyo appointed Mendoza as acting police chief last Jan. 22 in recognition of his valuable support for the peaceful transition of government.

Shortly after he assumed office. Mendoza, who led a group of police officers in the Jan. 19 peaceful takeover of Camp Crame, was asked to step down by anti-crime crusaders Teresita Ang-See and Carina Agarao for allegedly being "unfit for the post."

Villanueva welcomed Mendoza and his staff at around 3 p.m. yesterday at the JIL office located at the 22nd floor of the Strata 2000 building, Ortigas Center in Pasig City.

Quoting verses from the bible and the words of former United States President George Washington, Villanueva accepted the police officers’ gesture and said: "It is important to govern a nation with God and prayers."

"We cannot afford a People Power III," said Villanueva, adding that the country needs prayer and God’s guidance for Arroyo’s government to succeed.

Villanueva revealed that the one-million strong JIL movement had pledged a commitment to the new administration for "God’s glory and the welfare of the people."

Villanueva stressed that President Arroyo, like police chief Mendoza, need "divine wisdom" to help the present administration.