MANILA, Philippines (Update 2, 6:16 p.m.) — The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines said that it is clarifying its status with the Securities and Exchange Commission after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon alleged that the religious group is not duly registered. In filing his perjury complaint against RMP and two other activist groups, Esperon said the religious group that works with the marginalized sector has falsely claimed it is registered with the SEC. “This perjury case against us and our co-petitioners aims to turn people’s attention away from the real issue. This is about the violations of state forces against our members and we want protection from whatever harm they may inflict on us,” Belardo said. She added: “It is about them vilifying us for our missionary commitment to serve the rural poor that this government had neglected for too long.” — Gaea Katreena Cabico

Source: Philippine Star July 05, 2019 06:45 UTC