Denied medical help? Driver of INC leader’s expelled brother dies

MANILA, Philippines – The driver of Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo, the expelled brother of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo, died of cardiac arrest Monday night, November 9, according to a video and email forwarded by lawyer Trixie Cruz Angeles.

According to the email, which came from supporters of the expelled Manalo family members, driver Benjamin “Jon Jon” Arellano Jr was prevented by the leadership of the influential religious organization from getting medical help.

Angeles is lawyer for Angel and his sister Lolita “Lottie” Manalo Hemedez, the estranged siblings of the INC leader. They still reside at a compound in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, even after being expelled from the organization in July.

“Mr Jon Jon Arellano had been feeling ill lately and was to be checked by a physician 3 weeks ago when all visitors were suddenly disallowed in the residence of Ms Lottie Manalo Hemedez,” according to Angeles’ email sent on Tuesday.

Arellano, a father of 3, “suddenly collapsed last night and, despite best efforts, could not be revived. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Cause of death was cardiac arrest.”

Eduardo, who is their elder brother, expelled the siblings and their mother after they revealed alleged death threats from the INC leadership. Angel Manalo later spoke out against corruption within the church headed by his elder brother. (INFOGRAPHIC: The Manalos of the Iglesia ni Cristo) – Rappler.com