Shadow of influence

 

Last time we checked kidnapping is a capital offense for which no bail is recommended, just like the serious illegal detention case that already landed Janet Napoles in jail while still on trial.

Thus, the “we are still verifying” stance taken by the Philippine National Police (PNP) over allegations that several ministers of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) had  been kidnapped is befuddling.

This is more so considering the talk from the grapevine that new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ricardo Marquez got his post on the strong lobby of the INC leadership.

And why would an INC minister from Sorsogon be now in a Dasmariñas, Cavite jail? Somehow the stories do not make sense.  

Okay, let’s set aside that what’s rocking the INC is a family feud pitting its highest official against his own mother and younger brother, who had been unceremoniously thrown out of their church.

What? Not even a for-show hearing before the expulsion? The Spanish Inquisition, at least, held some baloney trials before expelling people from the church or burning “witches” at the stake.

Digression aside, the religious undertone of this matter is mere fodder for senseless debate. What’s to be determined here is, had people been kidnapped and what has the police done to get to the bottom of the allegation?

This is an acid test for PNP chief Marquez. He should prove he can rise above the perceived influence of the INC over him. The police should not wait for complainants before lifting a finger. -End-                

Image by: PhilStar