Diocese assures full cooperation in rape probe on priest

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental, said that the accusation of alleged rape against a 62-year-old priest in Sagay City is a grave crime that 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,” Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said in a statement.

Alminaza said that the accusation leading to the arrest of “Fr. Con” pains him and the whole Diocese of San Carlos.

The accused priest was arrested for alleged rape in Barangay Estefania here on March 27.

The arrest warrant with no bail recommended was issued by Executive Judge Reginald Fuentebella of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 73 in Sagay City on March 7, 2023, based on a police report.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Indiape Jr., Sagay City police chief, said the incident allegedly happened last year, wherein the victim was a minor who was a member of the choir in the Church in Sagay City.

Alminaza assured that they will fully cooperate with the civil authorities regarding the investigation of one of their priests.

Alminaza said they will provide the needed information openly and honestly to the public without reservations, and properly observe the legal process of the Judicial System for the truth to come out and for justice to be served accordingly.

The Diocese would also like to assure the alleged 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.

The bishop also said that “Fr. Con” will face the allegations filed against him.

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, Alminaza said.

While “Fr. Con” faces the crime of rape and of the pending preliminary investigation, we still assume our responsibility for the accused, he added.

In the meantime, the Diocese suspended all ministries with regard to his pastoral duties in the Diocese. The church will also proceed with its own canonical process accordingly.

As the case proceeds, Alminaza asked everyone to keep their judgments as they await the proper disposition by the court.

May we be able to balance our zeal in the pursuit of justice and truth with caution, decency, and respect, he said.