MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine court has ordered the arrest of a Filipino journalist for publishing an opinion piece against the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a Christian organization widely considered the most powerful independent Church in the mostly Catholic nation. The criminal case arises from a private complaint – something possible under Philippine law – and has drawn strong reaction from journalists and press freedom monitors. It also puts the methods and operations of the INC under the spotlight. Marchel Espina, a 39-year-old journalist in the central Philippines, surrendered to the police on July 17 over a criminal case of “unjust vexation,” along with four other respondents. The crime involves causing “annoyance, irritation, torment, distress, or disturbance to the mind” of the offended party.