(PHILIPPINES)
GMA Regional TV [Cebu City, PH]
January 31, 2025
By GMA Regional TV News
The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental has clarified on the status of priests facing allegations of sexual abuse of minors.
In a statement issued by The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Carlos (Diocese of San Carlos) in San Carlos City on January 30, 2025, it provided information on the status of Father Conrado Mantac and Father Aron Buenacosa who are both facing allegations of sexual abuse of minors.
“Both priests remain on administrative leave and are not currently engaged in any ministerial duties,” the Diocese of San Carlos stated.
“It is important to note that these cases are still under ecclesiastical review by our Diocesan Safeguarding Office, and the Diocese is steadfastly committed to cooperating with civil authorities and the Philippine Courts to ensure a fair and just process. Both institutional processes (legal and ecclesiastical) are being carried out to protect the victims and implement proper disciplinary sanctions with the accused,” the Diocese added.
The two priests mentioned 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,” the statement added.
The Diocese has reassured the faithful, that, contrary to what is alleged, “the Church is following the established protocols for the protection of minors, upholding due process for the accused, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims,” it further stated.
As for the claims that the two priests have co-celebrated Holy Masses, the Diocese has pointed out that, “as co-celebrants at certain liturgical events does not equate to active pastoral ministry.”
“Their status remains unchanged, and they continue to be under administrative leave,” the message of the Diocese, signed by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, stressed.
Being aware of its accountability as a Church institution, the Diocese advised the public to make it a point to inquire.
“The Diocese is always available for any legal inquiries about the status of the accused…primarily, it is our task and duty to protect the victims and defend their dignity,” Alminaza assured.
The statement was issued following a report on at least 82 Catholic clergymen who have been accused of the sexual abuse of minors in cases relating to the Philippines.
GMA Integrated News reported about a US-based watchdog and research group on January 29, 2025 that launched an online database identifying the 82 Catholic clergymen.
According to the report, BishopAccountability.org, which focuses on alleged sexual abuses within the Catholic Church, these cases, which date back decades, involve: Filipino priests accused of sexually abusing minors in the Philippines, Filipino priests who served part of their priesthood in the Philippines but who are accused of sexually abusing minors while working in the US, and priests from other countries – specifically from the US, Ireland, and Australia -who served part of their priesthood in the Philippines.
Of the 82 clergymen, 34 (Filipino and foreign) were accused of child sexual abuse in the Philippines.
The remaining 48 clergymen (Filipino and foreign) were accused of child sexual abuse in other countries like the US, Ireland, and Australia but have worked in the Philippines.