Manalo siblings, 30 others arrested in raid

MANILA, Philippines - The expelled siblings of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo and at least 30 others were rounded up during a raid on their residence at the controversial Tandang Sora compound in Quezon City yesterday.

Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo, Lottie Manalo-Hemedez and at least 30 occupants of the house, including two minors, are being held at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters at Camp Karingal.

They were brought in for questioning after two policemen were injured when shots rang out during the implementation of a search warrant at the residence, according to Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, QCPD director.

Police Officer 2 Henry Escular and Police Officer 3 Joner Adasan reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to the shin and shoulder and were rushed to St. Luke’s Medical Center for treatment.

Eleazar said the respondents could face illegal possession of firearms after operatives recovered a shotgun, an M-16 rifle, two carbine rifles, a rifle grenade, a .40 caliber Springfield Armory USA pistol, and around 100 bullets.

The search warrant was issued by Vice-Executive Judge Angelene Mary Quimpo-Sale of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 106 after two guards reported being shot at while they were guarding the compound last Monday.