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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Diocese of San Carlos in Negros vows full cooperation in investigation of priest accused of rape

Diocese of San Carlos in Negros vows full cooperation in investigation of priest accused of rape

Published Mar 31, 2023 04:37 am
BACOLOD CITY – The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental vowed full cooperation with authorities investigating a 62-year-old priest who allegedly raped minor church choir member in Sagay City. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said that they will provide the needed information openly and honestly to the public without reservations. He said they will properly observe the legal process of the judicial system for the truth to come out and justice be served accordingly. Alminaza stressed that such accusation is a grave crime which contradicts the office of the priesthood. "In our Diocese, we have been consistent in our teachings and advocacy against any form of sexual abuse of children, women, and vulnerable persons, and such crimes committed by any person, and especially priests or religious, cannot be tolerated," Alminaza said. Alminaza said that the case pains him and the whole Diocese of San Carlos. The accused was arrested through a warrant with no bail recommended in Barangay Estefania here on March 27. The warrant was issued by Executive Judge Reginald Fuentebella of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 73 in Sagay City on March 7. Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., Sagay police chief, said the incident allegedly happened last year. The victim was a minor and a member of the church choir in Sagay City. Alminaza said that the priest will face the allegations filed against him. While he faces the crime of rape and of the pending preliminary investigation, we still assume our responsibility of the accused, the bishop said. We also recognize his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and thus support him in his efforts to establish his innocence in court, he added. For the meantime, the priest has been suspended from his pastoral duties in the Diocese. The church will also proceed with its own canonical process accordingly. The Diocese assured the victim and her family of support and protection. "I deeply feel the suffering of the victim and her family and entrust her to the rightful agency which can provide proper care and assistance," Alminaza said.

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Rape priest Suspect Diocese of Negros Bishop Gerardo Alminza
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