MANILA - Former Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) member Lowell Menorca has been released from detention.

Menorca was released from the Ermita Police Station in Manila Friday afternoon after he posted a P20,000-bail for two libel cases filed against him in Marawi and Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

Menorca, an expelled member of the INC, was arrested Wednesday morning while he was on his way to the Court of Appeals (CA).

He accused the INC of having a hand in his libel cases and subsequent arrest, claiming that the church leadership wants to prevent him from testifying in the hearing for his petition for writs of amparo and habeas corpus.

READ: A day before his arrest, Menorca revealed alleged INC plan to silence him

The INC denied Menorca's accusation. INC spokesman Edwil Zabala said that while the libel complaint against Menorca was filed by INC members, the complainants filed the case as individuals and not as representatives of the church.

READ: We will be vindicated, INC says

Speaking to reporters after his release from jail, Menorca said he plans to first see his wife and daughter, who was deeply traumatized by his arrest.

Menorca said he will also speak with his lawyers for his next legal actions.

"I am willing to seek help from lawyers who also want to know the truth and to crusade against oppression, suppression of the truth. I hope magkatulong-tulong tayo," he said. "Kasi sino ba naman ayaw ang katotohanan? Lahat tayo yun ang hinahanap natin eh."

He earlier said he was offered by the INC leadership to leave the country in exchange for his silence.

WATCH: Menorca, inalok ng INC na lumabas ng bansa?

-- With a report from Dominic Almelor, ABS-CBN News