CEBU CITY (PHILIPPINES)
Herald Malaysia [Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia]
January 30, 2025
By Mark Saludes
The Archdiocese of Cebu and the Diocese of San Carlos in the central Philippines have broken their silence on allegations of clergy sexual abuse, reaffirming their commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of minors and vulnerable individuals.
The decision came after BishopAccountability.org, a U.S.-based research group, released an online database detailing allegations of child sexual abuse against 82 Catholic clergymen linked to the Philippines.
In separate statements on Jan. 30, Archbishop José S. Palma of Cebu and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos addressed the allegations, clarifying the status of the priests named in the database and reaffirming their commitment to transparency, due process, and the protection of victims.
Both prelates vowed to protect and support survivors of clergy abuses while fostering justice and accountability.
Gravity of sexual abuse cases
Archbishop Palma acknowledged the gravity of sexual abuse cases involving priests, saying that such offenses “deeply wound the very fabric of our faith life and community and cause irreparable damage to the lives of the victims that can scar them for life.”
Regarding the recently released database of Filipino priests linked to abuse allegations, Palma clarified that only three of the named individuals remain incardinated in Cebu and have since been reintegrated into active ministry after undergoing “the required legal and canonical processes”.
“[They] have been determined by competent civil and ecclesiastical authorities as fit to return to active ministry but with continued guidance and supervision,” Palma said.
He also confirmed that another priest, though currently in Cebu, belongs to a different diocese and is undergoing a renewal program as required by his bishop.
He added that one listed priest has been dismissed from the clerical state, and another has passed away.
Status of accused clergy in San Carlos
In San Carlos, Fr. Conrado Mantac and Fr. Aron Buenacosa—who are currently facing allegations of sexual abuse of minors – remain on administrative leave and are not engaged in any ministerial duties while their cases are under ecclesiastical review, according to Bishop Alminaza.
“The aforesaid clergy are within the diocese because our church institution is committed to properly monitoring and assuring that no one escapes accountability to legal and ecclesiastical sanctions,” he said.
The prelate expressed that the diocese “is steadfastly committed to cooperating with civil authorities and the Philippine Courts to ensure a fair and just process,” adding that the Church is implementing both legal and ecclesiastical processes “to protect the victims and implement proper disciplinary sanctions with the accused.”
Addressing recent allegations that the two priests participated in liturgical events, the bishop clarified that their involvement as co-celebrants “does not equate to active pastoral ministry.” Their status, he said, remains unchanged.
Church safeguarding efforts and victim protection
Both dioceses established a Safeguarding Ministry Office in compliance with Vos Estis Lux Mundi in 2019. The Archdiocese of Cebu was among the first in the country to implement the office, aiming to strengthen child protection measures, ensure accountability, and provide support for abuse survivors within the Church.
Bishop Alminaza assured the faithful that the Diocese of San Carlos is upholding protocols for protecting minors, ensuring due process for the accused, and prioritizing victims’ well-being.
The prelate encouraged individuals with information or those affected by abuse to reach out to the diocese. “Primarily, it is our task and duty to protect the victims and defend their dignity,” he said.
“We also wish to offer support to anyone who may have been affected by these allegations. Individuals who have information related to these cases, or who wish to report an instance of abuse, are encouraged to contact:
Fr. Martin G. Brodit, Jr. at +639939376065
Email: efarbro1278@gmail.com”
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos
Call for vigilance and accountability
Both the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Diocese of San Carlos reiterated the need for continued vigilance in addressing clergy abuse, with Palma stating that “the problem, commonly taken as the problem only of the hierarchy and the parties involved in such cases, needs a new paradigm.”
“The Church is in the stage of purification until the moment it is fully ‘configured’ to its Founder and Savior,” Palma said, adding that “at that time, the truth will reign and genuine justice will be served.”
Alminaza echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that accountability remains a top priority for the Church. “The Diocese remains unwavering in its dedication to upholding the highest standards of conduct, ensuring a safe environment for all, and respecting the integrity of the legal and ecclesiastical processes.”
Both bishops called on the faithful to remain engaged in the process of reform, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in upholding justice and accountability within the Church.—licas.news