BishopAccountability.org has identified 82 priests and brothers with ties to the Philippines who have been publicly accused of sexually abusing minors.
This database includes: 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 U.S.; and accused clergy from other countries – specifically, the United States, Ireland, and Australia – who served part of their priesthood in the Philippines.
The external mechanisms that have forced accountability by Catholic bishops elsewhere – litigation by victims, probes of church entities by prosecutors, inquiries by government commissions, and substantial investigations by local news media – have occurred little or not at all in the world’s third largest Catholic country.
The database reveals the distinctive aspects of the Catholic abuse crisis in the Philippines, and the degree to which much remains hidden. Most of the cases detailed below involve abuse that has occurred since 2000 and was reported to law enforcement quickly — within just a few years of occurrence. We know from Catholic abuse data published elsewhere that such cases comprise a small part of the total scope of the problem.
This list of 82 clerics, then, is the tip of the iceberg. It’s a fraction of the total number of accused clerics who would be known if Philippine church leaders were required to report child sexual abuse to law enforcement, if its legal system made it easier for victims to file civil claims against complicit church leaders, if clergy sex abuse victims were more broadly supported, or if dioceses and religious orders were investigated by prosecutors or state commissions.
A measure of the Philippine church’s impunity: In a country with more than 80 million Catholics, not one priest has been criminally convicted of sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults, according to Philippine bishop Buenaventura Famadico.
This is BishopAccountability’s fifth published database: we have maintained an accused U.S. clergy database since 2005, and we have posted databases of publicly accused clergy in Argentina, Chile and Ireland.
Note: This data is based generally on reports published by reputable news sources in the media, publicly filed court documents, church announcements and other public sources. Unless a source expressly reports that an individual has been convicted of a criminal offense or found liable for a civil claim, the reports contained in the database are mere allegations and this database does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for a civil claim. BishopAccountability.org is committed to truth, accuracy, and fairness. Corrections and comments on information appearing in the database are encouraged and can be sent to staff@bishop-accountability.org. If BishopAccountability.org discovers facts establishing that any information appearing in the database is inaccurate, we will promptly take appropriate action, including but not limited to revising, correcting, or withdrawing the information. For more information on our approach, see the posting policy for our US database.
Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in the Philippines
Rev. Pio Cultura Aclon | Rev. Baltazar Acompanado, Jr. | Rev. Macario Apuya, S.V.D. | Rev. Efren Avenido | Bishop Filomeno Gonzales Bactol | Rev. Roberto Batoon | Rev. Daniel A. Baul | Rev. Jose Belciña | Rev. Peter Berina | Rev. Aron Buenacosa | Rev. Raul Cabonce | Rev. Eleuterio Carton | Rev. Agustin Cuenca, O.F.M. | Rev. William J. Duffy, SJ | Rev. Benedicto Ejares | Rev. Mark A. Falvey, S.J. | Rev. Joseph “Joe” Fertal, SVD | Bro. Stephen Michael Greinke, M.B.P.H. | Rev. Kenneth B. Hendricks | Rev. A. Leo Hofstee, O.P. | Rev. Orestes M. Huerta | Rev. Karole Reward Israel | Rev. Arnel Lagarejos | Rev. Gabriel Madangeng, Jr. | Rev. Rex Mansmann, C.P. | Rev. Conrad Ursua Mantac | Rev. Denis McAlinden | Rev. Apolinario Mejorada, O.S.A. | Rev. Mercurio Montenegro | Rev. Martin O’ Loghlen, SS.CC | Rev. Prudencio Operiano | Rev. Theodore “Ted” Podson, S.P. | Unnamed Priest #2 | Rev. Serlito Villar
Accused of Child Sexual Abuse Outside the Philippines But Worked a Portion of His Priesthood in the Philippines
Rev. Rubin Abaya | Rev. Honesto Agustin | Rev. Edito D. Amora | Rev. Romannilo “Nilo” S. Apura | Rev. Sofronio A.(Pon) Aranda | Rev. Victor Balbin | Rev. Carmelo Melchior “Mel” Baltazar | Rev. Polienato Bernabe | Rev. Ysrael Bien | Rev. Honesto Bayranta Bismonte | Rev. Wilfred (Wilfrid) F. Bombardier, S.S.S. | Rev. Eamon Byrne, S.S.C. | Rev. Honorato (Henry) Cabaong | Rev. Hermy Dave O. Ceniza | Rev. Andres S. Corral | Rev. Angel[o] Cruces | Rev. Nelson Damasco | Rev. Crescente DeRivera, S.V.D. | Rev. Arwyn N. Diesta | Rev. Lowe B. Dongor | Rev. John F. Dwyer | Rev. Alexander Francisco | Rev. Benjamin Gabriel | Rev. Cristobal Garcia, O.P. | Bishop Dinualdo Destajo Gutierrez | Rev. Peter Andrew Hansen | Rev. Henry H. Herrera, C.M.F. | Rev. Sylvio Lacar | Rev. Clint Landry | Rev. John W. Lennon | Rev. Rosario Lopez, O.S.B. | Rev. Perry Malacaman | Rev. Manuel Perez “Benildo” Maramba, O.S.B. | Rev. Leonardo Mateo | Rev. James P. McSorley, O.M.I. | Rev. Juan Naldoza Nacauili | Rev. Emmanuel O. Omemaga | Rev. Edmundo Paredes | Rev. John Steven Rabideau, O.M.V. | Rev. Ponciano M. Ramos, S.V.D. | Rev. Fernando Sayasaya | Rev. Joseph Skelton, Jr. | Rev. Jose Superiaso | Rev. Santiago (Henry) L. Tamayo | Rev. Albert Tanghal Rimando | Rev. Timothy Sugrue, S.M. | Rev. Gerardo Jarencio Tanilong | Rev. Valentine Tugade
Rev. Ruben V. Abaya
Newark NJ archdiocese, U.S.
Metuchen NJ diocese, U.S.
Trenton NJ diocese, U.S.
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Possibly Laoag diocese, Philippines
Filipino priest who worked in the US from 1977 to 1982. Granted faculties for 11 days in the Los Angeles archdiocese in April 1980. Accused in a 1984 lawsuit with six other priests of sexual abuse of a girl 1980-1982 in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese. In 1991, Santiago Tamayo, the priest who first raped the girl, held a news conference to apologize to the victim for his own crimes and for involving the other priests in her abuse.
**
All seven priests cited in this landmark case were from the Philippines and at least six were assigned to US dioceses in the early 1980s. Santiago Tamayo, the priest who initiated the abuse, first raped the girl in 1978, when she was 16 and aspiring to become a nun. An active priest in New Jersey, Abaya visited Tamayo and the others at St. Philomena parish in Carson CA in April 1980, and allegedly assaulted the girl then. She became pregnant by one of the priests (not Abaya). Victim filed suit in 1984 but the L.A. archdiocese claimed they could not locate any of the seven priests, so none could be questioned by the victim’s attorney or court. The suit was eventually dismissed.
In 1991, Santiago Tamayo held a news conference in L.A., publicly admitting to the abuse and apologizing to the victim for his own offenses and for recruiting the other priests. In 2007, the L.A. archdiocese paid $500,000 to settle the victim’s case. Besides Abaya and Tamayo, the priests were Victor Balbin, Honorato (Henry) Cabaong (also spelled Cabaong), Angel Cruces, Sylvio Lacar, and Valentine Tugade.
A Rev. Ruben V. Abaya, JCD was listed in a 2013 Catholic directory as Defender of the Bond of the Laoag diocese and as chaplain for Monasterio de Santa Clara, a convent in Laoag City, province of Illocos Norte. The listing remained in June 2017. It is not known if he is the same Ruben V. Abaya accused of abuse in the U.S. in the early 1980s. In 2016 he was shown on the diocesan website to be retired and living at Mary, Cause of Our Joy College Seminary, and as Defender of the Bond on the Marriage Tribunal.
$21 Million Suit Filed in Alleged Seductions by Priests, by Roger Gillott, Associated Press, 02.08.84
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
Pain Was Affair’s Gift to Priest, Woman, by Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 03.28.91
Priest in Sex Scandal Was Advised to Stay Out of U.S., by Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 03.28.91
Ex-Priest Apologizes for Seducing Teen-Ager, by Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 03.29.91
Woman Seeks to Find Priest She Says Fathered Her Child, by Beth Shuster, Los Angeles Times [CA], 05.07.02
Shattered Faith, by Nick Green, Daily Breeze [CA], 12.05.07
Legal Battle Finally Ends for Victim of Priest Abuse, by Susannah Rosenblatt, Los Angeles Times [CA], 12.05.07
Tamayo File, L.A. Archdiocese released 01.31.13
Tamayo File, L.A. Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Diocese of Laoag Catholic Directory of the Philippines Claretian Publications, 2012-2013
Diocese of Laoag Catholic Directory of the Philippines, Claretian Publications, 2016
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Rev. Pio Cultural Aclon
Borongon diocese, Philippines
On September 17, 2023, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines reported through its communications arm, CBCP News, that Aclon had been dismissed from the clerical state due to the sexual abuse of minors. According to the notice, Aclon’s last assignment had been at a minor seminary in Borongan. Aclon responded by threatening to take “appropriate legal action” against Borongan bishop Crispin Varquez, claiming that the diocese had violated his canonical and civil rights by publicizing the news without attaching the Vatican decree. In response, Bishop Varquez released a letter sent to him in May 2023 from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It confirmed that the Vatican had previously approved the bishop’s request that Aclon be dismissed from the priesthood. The letter included indicators that the bishop had known of wrongdoing by Aclon for years before the news became public: it revealed that by 2020, that the church already had found Aclon guilty, and the file number at the top of the letter suggested that the canonical case had been filed in 2018. The removal of Aclon from the clerical state, the most severe punishment possible under canon law, suggests that the church found him guilty of serious sex crimes against children. Despite this, Bishop Varquez has released no information about the incidents. The public has not been informed of the nature of the alleged crimes or when and where they occurred.
Pope Francis dismisses Borongan priest due to alleged sex abuse, by Paterno R. Esmaquel II, Rappler, 09.17.23
Letter from Calleja Law to Pio Aclon with Vatican Letter Attached, 09.25.23
Pope expels Samar priest for minors’ ‘sexual abuse’, Philippine Star, 09.28.23
Borongan bishop defends self after making public dismissal of priest, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 09.30.23
Rev. Baltazar Acompanado, Jr.
Caceres archdiocese, Philippines
Found dead of a possibly self-inflicted gunshot wound in his bedroom at Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary in San Jose town on July 28, 2010. Police discovered that Acompanado had gone out with a 15-year-old girl the previous night. They arrested a woman they identified as the girl’s pimp; she denied she was a pimp but said the priest had asked her to find a girl who could go with him to a mall in Naga City. Acomponado was assigned in 2003 to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naga City and as professor at the preparatory seminary, where he was later appointed rector.
Priest Had Date with Teen before Alleged Suicide?, ABS-CBN 07.30.10
Rev. Honesto Agustin
Reno NV diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1982 in the Philippines. Was working in the Reno NV diocese when placed on leave in June 2006 after an allegation of improper conduct with a minor. Police investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. Resumed active ministry. Placed on leave and asked for early retirement in April 2024 after a nude video of him surfaced on social media. Agustin had been pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish since 2015.
Reno Priest Accused of Inappropriate Conduct with Minor, Associated Press, carried in Las Vegas Sun [NV], 06.25.06
Police Say Reno Priest Won’t Face Criminal Charges, KRNV [NV], 06.29.06
Public Applauds Bishop’s Reaction to Scandal, by Geralda Miller, Reno GazetteJournal [NV], 07.01.06
Diocese Has Paid $328,068 on Abuse Claims, by Martha Bellisle, Reno GazetteJournal [NV], 08.19.07
New Clergy Assignments, by Elaine Menardi, Catholic Project [NV], 06.05.12
Memo, Diocese of Reno, 04.30.24
Priest with Diocese of Reno Removed from Duties, Retires After Nude Video Leak, 2 News Nevada, 05.01.24
Rev. Edito D. Amora
(sometimes misspelled D’Amora)
Dipolog diocese, Philippines
Military Services archdiocese, U.S.
Orange CA diocese, U.S.
San Diego CA diocese, U.S.
Trenton NJ diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1980 for the Dipolog diocese in the Philippines. Discovered he was a US citizen; joined the US Military archdiocese as a chaplain in 1985. Worked in dioceses including Orange, San Diego and San Bernardino CA, and Trenton NJ. Accused in 2001 of molesting a 10-year-old San Diego girl 8 years previously. Name appears on the San Diego diocese’s 2007 list of priests with credible allegations. Personnel file released in October 2010.
Priests against Whom There Are Credible Allegations, Diocese of San Diego [CA], 03.30.07
Names of Accused San Diego Priests, Lompoc Record [CA], 03.30.07
Diocese Names 38 Accused Priests, by Sandi Dolbee and Mark Sauer, UnionTribune [CA], 03.31.07
Documents Released by San Diego Diocese, 10.25.10
O.C. Chaplain Cited in Pedophile Documents, by Frank Mickadeit, Orange County Register [CA], 10.28.10
Rev. Romannilo “Nilo” S. Apura
Trenton NJ diocese, U.S.
From Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Philippines. U.S. citizen. Ordained in 1975. First listed in the 1993 volume of the Official Catholic Directory as assigned to a Trenton NJ parish, which means he likely arrived in the U.S. in 1992; noted in the listing as from the Philippine Islands. Arrested in August 2014 at his Point Pleasant NJ parish, charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy on two occasions several months earlier. The abuse allegedly occurred in the boy’s Trenton home. Suspended from ministry. Pleaded guilty in August 2015 to aggravated criminal sexual contact. Sentenced November 20, 2015 to three years in prison, ordered to register as sex offender, and lifetime parole. Time to be served at a specialized adult treatment center for sex offenders. A mental health evaluation found Apura to have “repetitive and compulsive behavior.” Released November 30, 2017. Included on the diocese’s list February 13, 2019. Removed from ministry. Per the list in 2021, Apura was laicized.
Diocese of Trenton Priest Charged with Engaging in Sexual Conduct with Teenage Boy, by Cristina Rojas, Times of Trenton [NJ], 08.21.14
Point Pleasant priest arrested on sex abuse charge, by Stephanie oder and Carol Gorga Williams, app.com, 08.21.14
PH Pastor Arrested on Sex Abuse Charge, Filipino Reporter Online Edition, 09.01.14
Pinoy Priest in NJ Arrested on Sex Abuse Charge, GMA News [Philippines], 09.03.14
Pinoy Priest Indicted for Molesting Boy in NJ, by Rocelle Tangi, Asian Journal, 09.04.14
Priest Sentenced to 3 Years for Molesting 16-year-old Boy, by Cristina Rojas, NJ.com. 11.20.15
Updated list of accused clergy with Jersey Shore ties, by Andrew Goudsward, Alex N. Gecan and Steph Solis, Asbury Park Press, 02.18.19
Diocese of Trenton List, 03.17.19
Diocese of Trenton List, 02.22.19
Rev. Macario Apuya, S.V.D.
Society of the Divine Word
Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese, Philippines
“Fr. Macky.” Indicted in 1999 for raping a girl, age 14, in October 1997 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Apuya was reportedly the first priest in the Philippines prosecuted for pedophilia. Spent three years in jail; acquitted in 2002 by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC). In dismissing the case, the judge cited “inconsistencies and improbabilities.” He wrote that he did not believe the girl’s allegation that the priest’s mother had watched the rape, and he said an outburst by the girl in court, following questioning by the priest’s lawyers, indicated that she could have fought back to prevent being raped. Apuya died October 20, 2013.
Courts Act on Rape Charges Against Priests, UCA News [Philippines], 04.28.99
Court Acquits Priest Accused of Rape, by Pia LeeBrago, Philippines Star [Philippines], 12.21.02
Will Asia Rise to the Papal Throne?, by Ramy Inocencio, CNN, 03.12.13
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, December 2004
Death Notice, Divine Word Seminary via Facebook, 10.20.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Rev. Sofronio A.(Pon) Aranda
Philippines
Orange CA diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1963. Emigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1975. Worked in Corona CA for five years; moved to Texas in 1992 or 1993. Assigned in the Galveston-Houston diocese; chaplain at a county hospital. Named in 2004 by the Diocese as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors. Died in March 1996.
Obituaries, Press Enterprise, 03.26.96
Hide the Buggering Priests!, by Gustavo Arellano, Orange County Weekly [CA], 07.09.04
Personnel Bile No. 5: The List, by Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly [CA], 03.04.05
Million Dollar Settlements, by Chris Knap, Orange County Register [CA], 05.17.05
Personal Record, Diocese of Orange
Directory Listings Compiled by Arellano of OC Weekly
Rev. Efren Avenido
Daet diocese, Philippines
Suspended from ministry in February 2008 for an unspecified morals offense. Laicized in March 2017 for sexually abusing minors. In October 2017 Daet Bishop Garcera sent notification to the public that Avenido had been laicized. In December 2017 the Diocese issued a public message that there were complaints that Avenido had been celebrating sacraments in the Archdiocese of Manila. He was also said to have been celebrating mass in the Bicol region. In June 2019 the Diocese again issued a statement that Avenido was presenting himself and functioning as a priest in metro Manila, going by the name Fr. Lorenzo Avenido.
Bishop Warns Faithful vs 2 ‘Erring Priests, CBCP, 11.14.11
Diocese of Daet Circular Re. Former Priest Efren Avenido, CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity, 12.25.17
Diocese of Daet Statement re Avenido,Facebook, 06.28.19
Bishop Filomeno Gonzales Bactol
Palo archdiocese, Philippines
Naval diocese, Philippines
Ordained in 1968. Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Palo in 1981, and Bishop of Naval in 1988. Accused in 2007 by former missionary Stephen Michael Greinke of molesting young boys. Greinke was himself the subject of allegations in 1993 and 1999. Bactol retired in 2017. In 2024 he is Bishop Emeritus of Naval.
Biliran Bishop Accused of Sexual Molestation, by Ging Reyes, ABS CBN, 12.29.07
Priests Rally Behind Bishop After Revival of Sex Abuse Charges, ucanews.com, 01.10.08
Rev. Victor Balbin
Philippines
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Extern or visiting priest from the Philippines. Accused, along with 6 other Filipino priests, of the sexual abuse of a teenage girl in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese. The incidents reportedly occurred 1978-1984. The girl said the first priest to abuse her introduced her to the others, telling her it would help the priests if she had sex with them. She became pregnant and was sent to the Philippines to give birth. All 7 priests fled to the Philippines after allegations in a 1984 lawsuit, which was then dropped. Claims against the priests settled in 2007.
Woman alleges seduction by 7 priests, by Dan Weikel and Janet Barker, News-Pilot, [San Pedro CA] 02.09.84
L.A. Archdiocesan Report ,02.17.04
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
Tamayo File, L.A. archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Rev. Carmelo Melchior”Mel” Baltazar
Malolos diocese, Philippines
Boise ID diocese, U.S.
U.S. Military archdiocese
Ordained in 1960 in the Philippines for the Malolos diocese. Extern priest to the Boise diocese. Convicted in 1984, sentenced to 7 years in prison for lewd conduct with an Idaho boy. Released to treatment after 3 years. Sexually abused boys over a 20-year period while assigned in the Philippines, and in many dioceses while a U.S. Navy chaplain, including Cleveland OH, Boise ID and San Diego CA. Named in several civil suits. Per a 2003 civil suit in San Diego, plaintiff lived with Baltazar and traveled with him for 5 years during military assignments; Baltazar always introduced the boy as his nephew. Baltazar reportedly targeted “destitute, homeless or mentally disturbed young boys.” He died January 26, 2003.
A Catholic Priest Pleaded Guilty to One Count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct for Sexually Molesting Two Teenage Boys, United Press International [Boise, Idaho] November 19, 1984
Judge Says Catholic Church Could Have Prevented Priest’s Sex Crimes, by Steve Green, United Press Internation, [Boise, Idaho], 03.23.85
The Church’s Secret Child Abuse Dilemma, by Carl M. Cannon, San Jose Mercury News, 12.30.87
Priests Who Molest by Carl M. Cannon, San Jose Mercury News, 12.31.87
Bishop Decries Betrayal by Some Priests, Finds No Evidence of Abuse in Idaho , Associated Press State & Local Wire, 03.25.02
Findagrave 01.26.03
Ex-Local Man Alleges Sexual Abuse by Priest, by Greg Moran, San Diego UnionTribune, 05.22.03
Accusations against Priests in the Military, Associated Press, 10.08.03
Idaho Bishop Releases State Abuse Numbers, Idaho Statesman, 02.21.04
Priests against Whom There Are Credible Allegations, Diocese of San Diego [San Diego CA], 03.30.07
Rev. Roberto Batoon
Laoag diocese, Philippines
Honolulu HI diocese, U.S.
Assigned to the Honolulu HI diocese beginning in 1997. Removed in January 2003 after admitting to the sexual abuse of a minor in his home diocese in the Philippines. Agreed in May 2003 to laicization.
Priest in Sex Case Ordered Home, by Wright Walter, Honolulu Advertiser (Honolulu, HI), 01.27.03
Molokai Priest Removed for Alleged Abuse in Philippines, by Adamski, Mary, Honolulu Star Bulletin (Hawaii), 01.28.03
Dismissed Priest Fails to Report in Philippines, by Hurley Timothy, Honolulu Advertiser (Honolulu, HI), 02.21.03
Banished Priest to Leave Ministry, by Hurley Timothy, Honolulu Advertiser (Honolulu, HI), 05.22.03
National Abuse Study Includes 5 Isle Priests, by Mary Adamski, Honolulu Star Bulletin, 02.27.04
Rev. Daniel A. Baul
San Fernando archdiocese, Philippines
On June 29, 2019, the news media reported that a 17-year-old girl had filed a formal complaint with the prosecutor’s office accusing Baul of sexually abusing her. The alleged incidents occurred in the basement of a church-based center for women and children in Pampanga. On June 30, 2019, San Fernando archbishop Florencio Lavarias stated that Baul had been relieved of his duties and that a church investigation was ongoing. Civil authorities issued a warrant for Baul’s arrest, and he was charged with rape. Several days later, the archbishop said that while Baul assured him he would face the charge in court, his whereabouts were unknown. By December 2020, Baul was again in active ministry in the archdiocese. In late January 2021, he was acquitted of the criminal charges. In a statement about the acquittal, Archbishop Lavarias said he hoped that it would “finally clear the air of whatever malicious imputations made against Fr. Baul which have caused him undue dishonor and discredit and unfortunately besmirched his reputation and integrity as a member of the clergy of the Archdiocese of San Fernando.” As of April 2022, Baul was shown on social media to be Procurator of Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in San Fernando, Pampanga. As of December 2024, he remained in active public ministry, celebrating Mass at parishes in the archdiocese.
Statement by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, 06.30.2019
Pampanga priest accused of abusing 17-year-old girl, by Paterno R. Esmaquel II, Rappler, 07.01.19
Pampanga archdiocese relieves priest accused of abuse, CBCP News, 07.01.19
Church Assures Priest In Sex Abuse Case Will Face The Music, Politiko, 07.04.19
Police searching for priest charged for abuse of teen, SunStar, 07.05.19
Ing Cawalung Aldo ning Simbang Bengi, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish-Porac via Facebook, 12.22.20
Priest acquitted of rape charges, by Bong Lacson, Punto, 01.30.2021
Fifth Day of Preparation for the 431st Founding Anniversary, Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Guagua via Facebook, 05.12.21
Happy Sacerdotal Anniversary, Mother of Good Counsel Seminary via Facebook, 03.06.22
Domingo Ning Pacua, Mother of Good Counsel Seminary via Facebook, 04.16.22
Holy Tuesday, Immaculate Conception Parish via Facebook, 03.26.24
Rev. Jose “Joey” Belciña
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
Ordained in 1990. In February 2006 a young woman, age 18, filed a complaint accusing Belcina of raping her on three occasions from July 2005 to January 2006, the first time when she was 17. He was assigned during the times in question to a parish in Danao City and was reportedly helping to pay for the girl’s education. He was charged with rape and child abuse by the Danao City Prosecutor’s Office and was removed from his parish and made to undergo “a process of spirituality.” In June 2006 police tried to serve an arrest warrant on the child abuse charge at the Archbishop’s Palace, where Belcina was staying, but they could not find him. When a journalist inquired as to Belcina’s whereabouts, Archdiocesan spokesperson Msgr. Achilles Dakay responded, “I am not his custodian.” Archdiocesan officials stated, “…we are behind him and will support him and encourage him to face the music.” The rape charge was dropped due to lack of evidence; the child abuse charge remained. Belcina’s accuser decided to drop the child abuse charge in 2007 “for reasons of reconciliation and peace.” He was reassigned by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal in 2008 to a Minglanilla parish. Episcopal Vicar Msgr. Esteban Binghay stated of Belcina and another accused priest, “They have committed errors because they are just human beings. If God gives us another chance, Cardinal Vidal also gives the priests another chance.” Belcina was in active ministry in January 2025 at San Isidro Labrador Parish in Cebu.
Rape Victim’s Relatives Deny that Politicians Prodded Them, by Jose P. Sollano, Phil Star, 02.16.06
Girl Recalls First Time Priest ‘Raped’ Her, Sun.Star, 05.03.06
Warrant of Arrest Issued v. Fr. Joey, by Jujemay G. Awit, Sun.Star, 06.30.06
19 -Year- Old Drops Rape Charge vs Priest, GMA News, 01.10.07
Second Chance for Priests after ‘Spiritual Reform’, by Bernadette Parco, Cebu Daily News, 01.31.08
In the Philippines, Wolves Amidst the Sheep?, Mike Aquino, Filipino Free Thinkers, 04.21.10
Daily Mass, Sto. Rosario Parish CEBU via Facebook, 10.05.22
Archdiocese of Cebu, Catholink, 01.05.25
Rev. Peter Beriña
Caceres archdiocese, Philippines
Monsignor. In November 2010, a 17-year-old boy, accompanied by his parents and aided by the police, filed a complaint of rape against Beriña with the provincial prosecutor. Beriña, rector at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City, denied the allegation. The boy had written down the license number of the priest’s car as it left the motel where the alleged rape occurred, but according to Caceres archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, the car was being used at that time by the priest’s driver, who reportedly admitted to taking the car without permission to the motel to meet a female companion. Legaspi threatened to sue the accuser for defamation, calling the allegations “false and fabricated” and “malicious.” It cannot be determined from currently available public information if the priest was formally charged. As of January 2025, his name did not appear on lists of Caceres archdiocesan clergy.
Archdiocese Threatens to Sue Over Sex Claim, ucanews.com staff, 11.10.10
Bishop Defends Priest in Molestation Case, Sun Star, 11.10.10
Youth Accuses Catholic Priest of Rape, by Juan Escandor, The Inquirer, 11.13.10
Church Defends Priest vs 17-year-old Boy’s Rape Case, by Juan Escandor Jr., 11.18.10
Archdiocese of Caceres, ucanews.com Directory, ~2010
Rev. Polienato Bernabe
Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese, Philippines
St. Petersburg FL diocese, U.S.
U.S. Military archdiocese
Ordained for the Lingayen-Dugapan archdiocese. Worked in the St. Petersburg FL diocese 1975-1989. Accused of repeatedly raping a girl there 1978-1986, starting when she was 8 years old. Listed as an Army chaplain in the Ogdensburg NY diocese 1989-1991. Listed in the Palm Beach FL diocese as parish priest 1992-1994. Fled the U.S. after allegations became known in 2002. Died in 2004.
Woman Alleges Priest’s Abuse, by William R. Levesque, St.
Petersburg Times, 05.24.02
Diocese Looks at Alleged Misdeeds, by Michelle Bearden and Researcher Michael Messano, Tampa Tribune [Florida], 05.24.02
‘Safe Place’ for Abuse Survivors, by Michelle Bearden, Tampa Tribune, 07.01.02
Priest Sought in Child Sexual Abuse, by Mike Brassfield, St. Petersburg Times, 07.17.02
Abuse ‘Just Became a Part of My Life’, by Marco R. della Cava, USA Today, 07.24.02
Ma of Sex Abuse Victim Wants Priest Arrested, Phil Star, 09.08.02
Diocese to Pay Woman $33,500, Counsel Says, by Stephen Thompson, Tampa Tribune, 01.23.03
Letter to the People of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Robert Lynch, 02.11.03
Death of Accused Priest Reported, by Chris Tisch, St. Petersburg Times [Florida], 04.12.06
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
In the Philippines, Wolves Amidst the Sheep?, by Mike Aquino, filipinofreethinkers.org, 04.21.10
Rev. Ysrael Bien
Portland OR archdiocese, U.S.
From the Philippines. Ordained for the Archdiocese of Portland in 2010. April 2015 a teenage boy found a hidden camera waist high next to a toilet in a bathroom used by altar servers at Bien’s parish. The boy took it to Bien, who said he would call police. He did not, but told the boy and his parents that he had. Pressed further by them, Bien called police three weeks after the device was found, but said it had gone missing. He was suspended June 24, then left the country to “visit family” in the Philippines. A warrant was issued for Bien’s arrest in August 2015 on charges of invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and initiating a false report. In late August of 2015 he had yet to return to the U.S.
Filipino Priest in Trouble Over Camera in Oregon Church Bathroom, Inquirer (Philippines), 07.16.15
Arrest Warrant Issued for Sherwood Priest in Church Hidden Camera Scandal, by Emily E. Smith, Oregonian 08.18.15
Wanted Priest Still in Philippines, by Ed Langlois, Catholic Sentinel, 08.21.15
Rev. Honesto Bayranta Bismonte
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
From the Philippines. Ordained in 1954. Arrived in CA in 1981. Assigned to St. Joseph’s in Pomona when removed in April 2002 due to allegations of abuse of two sisters, ages 12 and 8, 1997-2001. The abuse occurred at the girls’ aunt’s home in Fontana. Arrested. Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery in 2003. Received two years probation. One of the two sisters filed suit in November 2019. After the girls came forward in 2002, a 32-year-old woman alleged she was sexually battered by Bismonte ten years prior.
Priest Held; Abuse Alleged : Arrest: Inland Sisters Say They Were Touched Many Times When He Lived in a Relative’s Home, by Scott Farwell, Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA), 04.24.02
Accused Priest Blames Cultural Differences, by Richard Winton and Gene Maddaus, Los Angeles Times, 04.25.02
Priest Has New Accuser, San Bernardino Sun (San Bernardino, CA), 04.29.02
DA Charges Pomona Priest for Lewd Acts with Minor Riverside Clergyman Tipped off Authorities to Alleged Abuse, by Rod Leveque, San Bernardino Sun (San Bernardino, CA), 04.29.02
Accused Priest Takes Lie Test, Lawyer Says: Inadmissible: a Prosecutor Says the Defense’s Tactic Will Not Affect Her Case, by Maria T. Garcia, Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA), 05.22.02
USA Today 11.11.02
Priest Pleads Guilty: Sentence: He Gets Probation for Unlawfully Touching Two Girls in a Fontana Apartment, by Tim Grenda, Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA), 09.06.03
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
L.A. Archdiocese Report Errata Notice # 1
LAist, 11.19.19
National Catholic Reporter, 09.12.23
National Catholic Reporter, 08.05.24
Rev. Wilfred (Wilfrid) F. Bombardier, S.S.S.
Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
Santa Fe NM archdiocese, U.S.
Manchester NH diocese, U.S.
Australia
Philippines
American. Ordained for the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers in Cleveland OH in 1943. Missionary in the U.S., Australia and the Philippines. Joined the Manchester NH diocese in 1970. Accused in 1993 of sexually abusing two young boys in Albuquerque NM 1966-1970. Admitted in 1993 to the 1975 molestation of a boy in Manchester. Admitted to a short-term relationship with an adult male in the Philippines. Retired in 1990. Died September 16, 2000.
Documents from NH Atty General Report , 03.03.03
Manchester Report by NH Atty General , 03.03.03
Union Leader, 03.04.03
20 Years Ago, North Adams Transcript, 11.29.63
Bombardier Obituary, Hartford Courant (Connecticut), 09.18.00
NH Diocese Will Pay $5 Million to 62 Victims, by Mark Hayward, Union Leader, 11.27.02
Rev. Aron Buenacosa
San Carlos diocese, Philippines
Charged on February 27, 2019 by the Cadiz City Prosecutor’s Office with raping a four-year-old girl. The child’s mother had begun working in January 2019 as assistant secretary at St. Joseph Parish church in Barangay Caduha-an in Cadiz City. The child would play in the parish office while her mother worked. Buenacosa, the parish priest, would frequently ask to “borrow” her and would take the girl up to his room, according to the mother. On February 22, when giving her daughter a bath, the mother noticed a “gap” in the child’s genitals and asked if anyone had touched her. The child eventually named Buenacosa. The mother confronted the priest the next day following a funeral Mass. A policeman witnessing the confrontation reported it to the chief inspector of the Philippine National Police in Cadiz City, who opened an investigation and brought the child to be medically examined. The doctor noted an abnormal gap between the child’s labia. Buenacosa denied the allegation but was charged with violating Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. San Carlos bishop Gerardo Alminaza relieved Buenacosa of his parish duties. In a statement, Alminaza said: “Our brother-priest, to his credit, was prompt to inform me of such allegation to which he assured me he didn’t do. He himself was shocked to be accused of such action and he is willing to face the allegation to prove his innocence.”
Buenacosa’s trial began in September 2019 but was suspended during the coronavirus pandemic. By June 2020, according to the Washington Post, he was living with the bishop in diocesan headquarters in San Carlos, three hours from Cadiz City. By June 2023, the judge still had not made a ruling in the case, according to a column by Fr. Shay Cullen.
As of December 2024, Buenacosa was back in public ministry, celebrating Mass at Sto. Nino parish in Cadiz City. On December 16, 2024, he concelebrated a Mass with Bishop Alminaza. Information about the resolution of his trial was not publicly available as of January 2025.
Negros Occidental priest charged with rape for allegedly molesting 4-year-old girl, CNN Philippines, 02.27.2019
In Philippines, a child alleges abuse by priest and tests Vatican promise for global reckoning, by Shibani Mahtani and Regine Cabato, Washington Post, 06.23.20
Church, civil laws must hold priests accountable for child abuse, by Fr. Shay Cullen, UCA News, 06.05.23
Sto. Nino De Cadiz Media and Social Communication Ministry via Facebook, 12.16.2024
Sto. Nino De Cadiz Media and Social Communication Ministry via Facebook, Bishop Alminaza with Buenacosa, 12.16.2024
Sto. Nino De Cadiz Media and Social Communication Ministry via Facebook, 12.31.2024
Rev. Eamon Byrne,S.S.C.
Society of St. Columba
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Chicago IL archdiocese
From Ireland. Order priest based in the U.S. Also worked in Manila, Philippines per the 1960 and 1970 Catholic Directories. Accused and sued in 1992 for the sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl during a Chicago church outing in 1974. Byrne’s accuser claimed the abuse was reported to Byrne’s superiors, who took no action. Retired to Ireland in 2007. Died December 12, 2015.
BA.org Assignment Record
Priest Files Can Remain Secret, by Michael Hirsley and Terry Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 11.17.92
Fr. Eamonn Byrne, SSC, R.I.P., columbans.edu, 12.2015
Rev. Honorato (Henry) Cabaong
Los Angeles CA, U.S.
Accused in a 1984 lawsuit with six other priests of the sexual abuse of girl, beginning when she was 16 years old, in 1980-1982. The girl became pregnant by one of the priests (not Cabaong). Cabaong is said to have helped secretly send the girl to the Philippines for the pregnancy and birth. The accused priests reportedly fled the country (with support from the Archdiocese) after the suit was filed. Cabaong resurfaced in Montana and was assigned in July 1985 to a parish in Bozeman and was incardinated in 1990. He died August 17, 1997. The claims were resolved in a 2007 settlement.
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
$21 Million Suit Filled in Alleged Seductions by Priests, by Roger Gillott, Associated Press 02.08.84
Rev. Henry Cabaong Obituary, Montana Standard, 08.20.97
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
Legal Battle Finally Ends for Victim of Priest Abuse, by Susannah Rosenblatt, Los Angeles Times, 12.05.07
malditoinsolente.com, 02.23.11
Tamayo File , L.A. Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Rev. Raul Cabonce
Butuan diocese, Philippines
Accused in 2011 of the sexual abuse, including rape, of a 17-year-old girl at a parish in Poblacion, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. The girl was from a large, impoverished family. Cabonce had given her an academic scholarship in exchange for her services as his housekeeper. The incidents were said to have occurred between September 2010 and March 14, 2011 in the priest’s room in the parish’s convent. The girl said guns were visible in the priest’s room and that he threatened to kill her family if she told. Cabonce denied the allegations.
In August 2011, the girl filed charges with the provincial prosecutor against Cabonce of rape, acts of lasciviousness, and child abuse. At around the same time, Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos removed Cabonce from the parish and assigned him to his “bishop’s palace” in Ampayon, Butuan City, telling a reporter, “He is in my custody.” A women’s rights group, Gabriela, urged Bishop Pueblos to surrender Cabonce to civil authorities, accusing the bishop of protecting the priest. In the meantime, the bishop announced that he had created a committee to investigate the allegations against Cabonce. Bishop Pueblos died in October 2017. His successor, Bishop Cosme Damian Racines Almedilla, was appointed in March 2019. No information found in January 2025 regarding the outcome of the case.
Cabonce is shown on social media in October 2019 as resident priest of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Trento, Agusan del Sur. By October 2021 he was apparently assigned to San Isidro Labrador Parish, Salvacion, Bayugan City. A Diocese of Butuan on-line directory accessed in November 2024 shows Cabonce as a member of the Presbyteral Council, as a Mother Butler Guild Chaplain at Agusan de Sur, and as assigned to San Isidro Labrador Parish in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Priest Accused of Raping 17-Year-Old Girl, by Ben Serrano, philstar.com, 07.05.11
Agusan Norte Catholic priest denies charges of rape, by Ben Serrano, GMA News, 07.06.11
Priest accused of rape sued for libel; alleged rape victim missing, by Ben Serrano, philstar.com, 07.10, 2011
Bishop confirms he has custody of priest accused of rape, by Franklin Caliguid, Inquirer Mindanao, 08.27.11
Parish Priest Accused of Rape by his 18-Year-Old Helper, GMA Network, 08.28.11
Catholic Priest Accused of Raping a Minor Filipina, by Kristine L. Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 08.28.11
Gabriela Wants Bishop Pueblos to Surrender Priest Accused of Rape, GMA News Online, 08.30.11
Gabriela Calls on Butuan Bishop to Stop Coddling Priest Charged with Rape of Minor, by Ina Alleco R. Silverio, bulatlat.com, 08.30.11
Philippine Priest Probed Over Charges of Rape, Molestation, by Barbara Mae Dacanay, Gulf News, 09.01.11
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
To our Resident Priest, Rev. Fr. Raul A. Cabonce, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Trento, Agusan del Sur via Facebook, 10.19.19
On the Anniversary of your Ordination, San Isidro Labrador Parish via Facebook, 10.29.21
Diocese of Butuan, claretianpublications.com, 11.12.24
Diocese of Butuan, Catholink, 01.03.25
Rev. Eleuterio Carton
Jaro archdiocese, Philippines
Accused in 2002 of the sexual harassment of a 17-year-old boy in 1996. Carton sued his accuser and his mother for libel and perjury. Carton died September 12, 2006.
Mother and Son Add Sexual Abuse to Complaints Against Pastor, UCA News, 06.14.02
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, December 2004
Rev. Hermy Dave O. Ceniza
San Francisco CA archdiocese, U.S.
Fresno CA diocese, U.S.
Davao archdiocese, Philippines
Filipino. Worked in the U.S. in the early 1990s. Accused in an April 2010 lawsuit against the Fresno CA diocese of sexually abusing and stalking a 17-year-old altar boy at St. Francis Church, Bakersfield CA, 1991-1993. The suit claimed fraud by the Fresno diocese, accusing Bishop John T. Steinbock of breaking a promise. The boy had called church officials in 1993; Bishop Steinbock met with the boy and promised him Ceniza would no longer be a priest or have access to children. In 2009, however, the plaintiff discovered that Ceniza was still an active priest in the Philippines, prompting him to sue for fraud. He dropped his suit in August 2010. His attorney announced that church documents released to him subsequent to the filing of the suit revealed that Steinbock had in fact removed Ceniza from ministry in Fresno and sent letters about the priest to his former diocese in the Philippines and to the San Francisco archdiocese, where Ceniza had worked (at St. Gregory’s in San Mateo) before being transferred to Bakersfield. “The bishop took affirmative action not only to protect children in the Fresno diocese, but also at the other dioceses,” said the plaintiff’s attorney, Joseph C. George.
Lawsuit Filed Claiming Clergy Sex Abuse, Coverup, KERO, 04.07.10
Lawsuit Claims Priest Was Relocated, by Steve E. Swenson, Bakersfield Californian, 04.08.10
Suit against Fresno Diocese Alleges Priest Abuse, by Pablo Lopez, The Fresno Bee, 04.08.10
Sex Abuse Test Case in Fresno Court, by Pablo Lopez, Fresno Bee, 07.11.10
Fraud Case against Fresno Diocese Delayed, Fresno Bee, 07.31.10
List of Credibly Accused, Diocese of Fresno, 01.17.22
Rev. Andres S. Corral
Philippines
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Calgary diocese, Canada
Extern priest from the Philippines. Accused of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1981. The Los Angeles archdiocese counted one accuser in its 2004 report. A digital search of a newspaper archive shows Rev. Andres S. Corral as assigned to parishes in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1984-2001.
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
Newspapers.com
Rev. Angel Cruces
Nueva Segovia diocese, Vigan City, Philippines
Los Angeles archdiocese, U.S.
Filipino priest, working in the Los Angeles archdiocese 1977-1984. Accused in a 1984 lawsuit, along with six other priests, of the sexual abuse of girl, beginning when she was 16 years old, from 1980-1982. The girl became pregnant by one of the priests (not Cruces). Many or all of the accused fled the country (with support from the Archdiocese) after the suit was filed. In 1991 Cruces was assisting in the Brooklyn NY diocese. He died in 1996.
$21 Million Suit Filled in Alleged Seductions by Priests, by Roger Gillott, Associated Press 02.08.84
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
L.A. Archdiocesan Report Addendum, 11.15.05
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
Los Angeles Achdiocese to Release Personnel Files of Priests Accused of Abuse, by Christina Villacorte, L.A. Daily News, 10.12.13
Father Santiago Tamayo One of a Group of Priests That Assaulted Teen Girl, by Tracy Manzer and Dana Bartholomew, Sgvtribune.com, 01.26.13
Tamayo File, L.A. Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Cruces File, L.A. Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Rev. Agustin B. Cuenca, O.F.M.
Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans)
Province of San Pedro Bautista
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Cubao diocese, Philippines
Accused in August 1990 of sexually abusing two male acolytes, ages 15 and 16, December 1988 – June 1990. Cuenca’s accusers said other boys were abused, too. A criminal case was dropped because the law against acts of lasciviousness applied to boys only if they are under age 12. Guest master of St. Gregory the Great Friary in Quezon City; Copywriter for Franciscan Magazine. Cuenca appears to have still been in ministry as of August 2016, referred to as Friar Ting. He died November 2, 2023.
People, Priests and Pedophiles, Earl K. Wilkinson, (Manila: International Research Foundation, 1994), 89-90.
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
Order of Friars Minor, Catholic Directory of the Philippines, claretianpublications.com, 2012-2013
The Provincial Communicator, OFM Franciscan Magazine, Province of San Pedro Bautista Philippines, Vol. 3- 2014
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Happy Birthday, Fr. Ting Cuenca, OFM, OFM Franciscans – Philippines via Facebook, 08.30.16
In Memoriam, Facebook, 11.02.23
Rev. Nelson C. Damasco
San Diego CA diocese, U.S.
Nueva Segovia diocese, Philippines
From the Nueva Segovia diocese, Philippines. Worked in the San Diego diocese CA September 1980 – January 1982. Also known to have been assigned in the Archdiocese of Newark NJ and the Diocese of Austin TX. Returned to the Philippines. Died September 1, 1988. Damasco’s name appears on the San Diego diocese’s 2007 list of priests with credible allegations.
Priests against Whom There Are Credible Allegations, Diocese of San Diego [San Diego CA], 03.30.07
Names of Accused San Diego Priests, Lompoc Record [San Diego CA], 03.30.07
Diocese Names 38 Accused Priests, by Sandi Dolbee and Mark Sauer, UnionTribune [San Diego CA], 03.31.07
Rev. Crescente DeRivera, S.V.D.
Society of the Divine Word
Imus diocese, Philippines
Chile, South America
Chicago IL archdiocese, U.S.
Orlando FL diocese, U.S.
Washington D.C. archdiocese, U.S.
Rome, Italy
From the Philippines. “Fr. Sonny.” First name sometimes spelled Cresente. Ordained in 1981 at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay, which is in the Diocese of Imus. Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor(s) by the Society of the Divine Word Chicago. Included on the Archdiocese of Chicago’s list in May 2023. The abuse occurred in Chile, South America in 1995, where he was assigned 1981-1996. Also worked in Chicago IL 1997-2006, Orlando FL in 2006, Washington DC 2007-2008 and Rome, Italy 2008-present (as of May 2023). Included in the May 23, 2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.
‘Father Sonny’ comes back to celebrate with his friends, by Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald [Chicago IL], 10.21.06
Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province List
Society of the Divine Word Philippines via Facebook 09.14.16
Archdiocese of Chicago List 05.04.23
IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
Rev. Arwyn N. Diesta
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Sorsogon diocese, Philippines
Ordained for the Diocese of Sorsogon, Philippines in 1978 and immediately began working in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese. Returned from L.A. to the Philippines in 1988. Accused in 1992 of sexually abusing a teenage seminarian in L.A. 1982-1988. In 1993 L.A.’s Cardinal Mahony urged Diesta’s Philippines bishop to keep Diesta away from teenage boys. When the bishop dismissed the suggestion, Mahony wrote to the Vatican: “[I]f Father Diesta has indeed engaged in such sexual misconduct in the past, and I am convinced that he has, then he should not be in any ministry involving young people — especially young seminarians.”
In 2001, Mahony ran into Diesta working as a U.S. Navy chaplain and learned he also worked at a seminary in the Philippines. Mahony wrote again to the Vatican, which replied in 2002 that Diesta’s bishop still refused to remove the priest. Mahony then informed church officials with the US Military, L.A. police, and authorities in the Philippines.
Diesta was listed online in May 2017 as pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Casiguran, Sorsogon, Philippines; diocesan Presbyteral Council; Director of diocesan Commission on Worship. Not found listed in the diocese in January 2025.
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
L.A. Archdiocesan Report Addendum, 11.15.05
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
Diesta File, released by L.A. Archdiocese, 01.31.13
Vatican Impeded Mahony Attempts to Remove Priests, Files Show, by Victoria Kim and Ashley Powers, Los Angeles Times, 02.16.13
Does Cardinal Mahony deserve as much understanding as Christopher Dorner?, by Eugene Cullen Kennedy, National Catholic Reporter, 03.04.13
Diocese of Sorgoson page, 2012-2013 Catholic Directory of the Philippines [Claretian Publications]
Catholic Directory/Religious Men [Claretian Publications], 05.26.17
Rev. Lowe B. Dongor
Worcester MA diocese, U.S.
From the Philippines. Arrived in Worcester MA in 2003. Studied at Assumption College and St. Mary Seminary. Removed in July 2011 from his first assignment, at St. Joseph’s in Fitchburg, after computer techs reported to the police that Dongor’s computer contained child abuse images. He admitted to possessing the images. Dongor also took money from the parish to send to family in the Philippines. No reason was given for his removal until he was arrested in September 2011. Fled to the Philippines in November 2011. Extradited to the U.S. in December 2012, arrested and held on bail. Pleaded guilty February 26, 2012. Sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail; suspended for 5 years with probation. Ordered to undergo counseling and to register as a sex offender. Laicized.
Priest Arraigned on Child Porn, Theft Charges, by Paula J. Owen, Telegram & Gazette, 09.12.11
Father Dongor’s Whereabouts Unknown, Catholic Free Press, 10.31.11
Fitchburg Priest Charged in Child Porn Case Flees Country, by Bronislaus B. Kush, Telegram & Gazette, 10.31.11
Priest Facing Child Porn Raps Visits Kin in Iloilo, abs-cbnNEWS.com, 11.02.11
Philippine Catholic Church Not to Help Repatriate Filipino Priest Charged with Illegal Possession of Pornographic Materials In the US, by Barbara Mae Dacanay, Gulf News, 11.04.11
Philippine Catholic Church Not to Help Repatriate Filipino Priest Charged with Illegal Possession of Pornographic Materials in the US, by Barbara Mae Dacanay, Gulf News, 11.05.11
Diocese Asks Vatican to Defrock Priest, Telegram & Gazette, 12.29.11
Fugitive priest arrested in LA, Telegram & Gazette, 12.20.12
Priest Indicted on Charges of Child Pornography, Theft from Fitchburg Parish, by Gary V. Murray, Telegram & Gazette Staff, 03.26.12
Fitchburg Priest Gets Suspended Sentence for Child Porn, Thefts, by Gary V. Murray, Telegram & Gazette, 02.27.13
Rev. William J. Duffy, S.J.
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Philippines
Boston MA archdiocese, U.S.
From the U.S. Taught in the Philippines for two years in the 1920s. Ordained in 1931. Army chaplain during WWII. Included on a list of accused priests and religious posted by attorney Mitchell Garabedian in January 2011, with at least one claim with the Boston archdiocese against Duffy. Died July 23, 1998.
Assignment Record, BishopAccountabiity.org
William J. Duffy Obituary, Patriot Ledger, 07.25.98
Rev. William J. Duffy, 96; Jesuit Priest Taught at BC High, Boston Globe, 07.26.98
Boston Priests Not Previously Identified As Accused, 01.19.11
Church’s Accused Abusers Named Online, Boston Channel, 01.19.11
Lawyer Reveals List of 19 Priests Accused of Sex Abuse, Metrowest Daily News, 01.19.11
The missing names from Cardinal O’Malley’s list of accused clerics, The Boston Globe, 11.20.11
Rev. John F. Dwyer
New York archdiocese, U.S.
Military archdiocese, U.S.
Turkey
Japan
Germany
England
Philippines
American. Ordained in 1956. Parish priest. Monsignor. Air Force chaplain 1964-1986, assigned in Turkey, Okinawa, Germany, the Philippines and England, as well as military bases in the U.S. Named as credibly accused by the New York archdiocese on its list in June 2022. Noted to have been removed from ministry; laicization process pending at death. Died January 12, 2020, age 90.
List of Archdiocesan Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor or the Subject of Eligible IRCP Compensation Claims, Archdiocese of New York, 06.16.22
Rev. Msgr. John F. Dwyer 1929-2020, Journal News, 01.13.20
Rev. Benedicto “Ben” Ejares
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
Accused of lascivious conduct toward seven female high school students while hearing their confessions at a Life in the Spirit seminar at the Abellana National High School in November 2006. The girls said Ejares caressed their arms and backs, toyed with their brastraps, and made inappropriate comments. In October 2007 the Cebu City Prosecutor dismissed the charges of child abuse, but the Department of Social Welfare and Development filed a motion to re-consider, submitting the girls’ psychological evaluations as additional evidence. In February 2008 the Cebu City Prosecutor reversed his earlier decision and found probable cause to charge Ejares with child abuse. Ejares successfully contested the ruling and the case was dismissed. The archdiocese placed him on “floating status” for a few years, then assigned Ejares to a parish in Consolacion, followed by a parish in Barili. In 2020 he appeared to be affiliated with the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Francis of Assisi in Naga.
In the Philippines, Wolves Amidst the Sheep?, by Mike Aquino, filipinofreethinkers.org, 04.21.10
Priest Named, Charged in Sex Scam in Cebu, GMA News [Philippines], 04.12.07
Lawyer urges church to present Fr. Ben Ejares, by Fred P. Languido, Phil Star, 04.13.07
Vidal Says Fr. Ejares in Manila, Cebu Daily News, 10.10.07
Fr. Ejares asks DOJ to junk Sellon’s ruling, by Nilda Gallo, Cebu Daily News, 03.13.08
‘It’s up to church to sanction priest’, Cebu Daily News 08.14.09
Sleeping inside a mausoleum, by Bobby G. Nalzaro, Sun Star, 11.02.14
Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Francis of Assisi, Facebook, 04.29.20
Rev. Mark A. Falvey, S.J.
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Los Angeles archdiocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1928. Accused in 2002 and 2003 by three people of abuse in the 1950s-1960s. Named in multiple civil suits. Worked in CA, China, the Philippines. He was reportedly in Balingasag until July 1952. Accused of abusing at least 10 children 1959-1975, one a girl, age 8, who tried to take her own life. Falvey died May 13, 1975. A tentative settlement of $16M was reached between 9 plaintiffs and the Jesuits in May 2007. Philippines presidential candidate in December 2015, Rodrigo Duterte, said that Falvey sexually abused him when he was a freshman at Ateneo de Davao High School, and that he molested other students as well. Per Duterte, Falvey fondled boys during confession. Twin brother of Fr. Arthur Falvey, who also was accused of abuse in a 2009 settlement of a separate case. The same man later received settlements from the Jesuits, the Sacramento diocese, and Los Angeles archdiocese for claims of abuse in Sacramento by both Frs. Mark and Arthur Falvey 1955-1961. The abuse allegedly occurred during Mark Falvey’s visits with Arthur in Sacramento.
Father Falvey Takes Faculty Job in Orient, San Mateo Times, 09.02.33
Rev. Mark Falvey Due from China, Redwood City Tribune, 12.09.47
Gonzaga Priests Serve in China, Spokesman-Review, 10.09.50
News of Priests Told by Jesuit, Spokane Chronicle, 01.05.52
Tentative Deal Reached on Abuse Claims Against Late Jesuit Priest, Fresno Bee, 05.17.07
Jesuits Agree to Sex Case Payout, by John Spano, Los Angeles Times, 05.18.07
Coconuts Manila, 12.01.15
CBCP Hits Duterte; Hits Back on its Child Abuse, by Jeannette I. Andrade, Tina G. Santos, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 12.01.15
Jesuits Urge Duterte: Let’s talk about abuse, by Doris Bigornia, ABS-CBN, 12.02.15
Bishops slam Duterte for cursing Pope Francis, by Evelyn Macairan and Eva Visperas, Philippine Star, 12.02.15
Jesuit Priest who Allegedly Molested Duterte had Other Victims, The Rappler, 12.03.15
Duterte Names Priest-abuser, Manila Times, 12.05.15
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Duterte, Sex Abuse, and Street Justice, by Rod Dreher, American Conservative, 05.01.17
Rev. Joseph “Joe”Fertal, S.V.D.
Society of the Divine Word
Philippines
Los Angeles archdiocese, U.S.
San Bernardino CA, U.S.
American. Missionary priest and teacher in the Philippines for 25 years, 1960-1967 and 1972-1989. Left the Philippines in 1989 under a cloud of suspicion regarding the sexual abuse of teenage boys. In treatment several times. Accused in 1995 of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy from a Corona CA parish. A civil suit filed in 1996 was later settled out of court. A criminal investigation was dropped for lack of evidence. Forced by church officials to leave a California retirement home in 2002 due to his abuse history; the home was part of a church complex used by high school students for overnight retreats; Fertal had lived there since 1995. Lived 2004-2016 at Vianney Renewal Center in Dittmer MO. Died in early 2021 in Techny, Illinois.
Suit Claims Priest Molested Teen, by David Ogul, Press Enterprise [Riverside, CA], 06.29.96
Diocese Warned of Priest’s Record, by Susan M. Loux, Press Enterprise [Riverside, CA], 11.03.97
Press Enterprise, 04.27.02
Dallas Morning News, 06.12.02
Pastor Takes Leave, by Elaine Goodman, Reno Gazette Journal, 06.19.02
Priest, 72, Faces Move, by Scott Farwell, Press Enterprise, 09.30.02
Exporting abusive priests: Catholic religious order based near Northbrook reveals abusers, by Robert Herguth, Chicago Sun-Times, 05.14.21
Those Credibly Accused of Sexually Abusing a Minor, Society of the Divine Word, 02.26.24
Rev. Alexander Francisco
Houma-Thibodaux diocese LA, U.S.
Ordained in 1975. Arrived in the Houma -Thibodaux diocese from the Philippines in 1991. Accused at some point of inappropriately touching a teenager. The victim and parents told the bishop and requested that Francisco get psychological treatment. After treatment he was cleared to return to work by a review committee. Placed on leave in July 2002 from St. Bernadette Church due to the previous allegation. Francisco admitted to his behavior. He requested laicization in 2002.
Priest Suspended from Ministry for Prior Sexual Offense, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 07.02.02
Suspended Priest Wants to Leave the Ministry, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 07.03.02
Rev. Benjamin Gabriel
Lipa archdiocese, Philippines
Fresno CA diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1947 for the Archdiocese of Lipa, Philippines. Incardinated into the Fresno diocese in 1979, where he had worked in parishes since at least 1971. Gabriel died in 1986. Accused in a 2003 lawsuit of abusing a boy at St. Jude’s in Earlimart for two years in the mid-1970s. His name was included in August 2021 on the Fresno diocese’s list of credibly accused.
Deposition of Cardinal Roger Mahony ,11.23.04
More Sex Abuse Suits Filed against Valley Priests, by Marc Benjamin, Fresno Bee (California), 12.17.03
Diocese of Fresno List accessed 01.17.22
Rev. Cristobal Garcia, O.P.
Order of Preachers (Dominicans)
Los Angeles archdiocese, U.S.
Cebo archdiocese, Philippines
In the 1980s, U.S. church officials told Cebu archbishop Cardinal Ricardo Vidal that Garcia had given cocaine to minors in Los Angeles and sexually abused them. Cardinal Vidal accepted Garcia nonetheless. In 1992, L.A. archbishop Cardinal Mahony told Cardinal Vidal that Garcia’s younger brother had reported being sexually molested by Garcia at age 15. Garcia remained a prominent Cebu priest, attaining monsignor status in 1997. In 2005, Garcia admitted to the Dallas Morning News that he had had sex with two altar boys in the Los Angeles archdiocese in the 1980s. His priesthood in Cebu remained unaffected. He finally was removed in 2012 by Archbishop Jose Serofia Palma, Vidal’s successor, following inquiries by a National Geographic reporter into his possible connection to ivory smuggling. He was laicized in 2017 and died in 2021.
***
Ordained for the Dominicans in 1982, Garcia began working at St. Dominic’s in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1983. In August 1985, a family told the pastor, Fr. Vincent Serpa, that Garcia was giving cocaine to minors in the parish. Soon after, while Garcia was saying Mass, the pastor went into the priest’s bedroom to search for evidence and found a 17-year-old boy in Garcia’s bed. Serpa told a nun, Jane Levikow, who reported Garcia to the police. Garcia was removed by the Dominicans and left the archdiocese in late 1985, saying that he would seek therapy in his hometown diocese of Cebu in the Philippines.
According to the Dominicans’ attorney, the order was assured by the Cebu archdiocese that Garcia would not work with young people. However, the Cebu archbishop, Cardinal Vidal, allowed Garcia to resume ministry,and it appears that the priest was incardinated to the Cebu archdiocese roughly around 1988. In May 1988, one of his victims in L.A. filed a lawsuit. The filing of the suit, and Garcia’s alleged crimes against the plaintiff, were widely reported in the press. This appeared to have no impact on Garcia’s ministry in Cebu.
In 1991 or early 1992, Garcia founded a monastic religious society for boys and young men, the Society of the Angel of Peace (SAP). This prompted Garcia’s younger brother, who was living in the US, to write to the Los Angeles archdiocese. In a September 10, 1992 letter to Rev. Timothy Dyer, L.A.’s Vicar for Clergy, the brother said that when he was 15, Garcia had molested him. “I am very worried now because Fr. Cris has converted one of my families [sic] beach houses into a seminary. It is quite secluded and I am terrified that he will take advantage of the seminarians [sic] naivete and eventually the situation will propagate itself.”
A version of Garcia’s personnel file released by the L.A. archdiocese in 2013 contains an October 19, 1992 letter from Cardinal Mahony to the Cebu archdiocese, enclosing the brother’s letter, which Mahony describes in his cover letter as “strong and compelling.” He also recaps Garcia’s involvement with cocaine and a “young man” in the 1980s, and asks the addressee (presumably Cardinal Vidal, but it’s not certain, as the name is redacted) to conduct a “full, confidential inquiry” into Garcia and to send Mahony “a written response.” The file contains no response from Cebu. In 1997, Garcia was promoted to monsignor.
In 2005, Garcia admitted in a Dallas Morning News interview that he had had sex with the two altar boys at St. Dominic’s in L.A. in the early 1980s. He was quoted as saying that one of the boys “not only seduced me, he also raped me.”
His ministry remained unaffected. For years before his June 2012 removal, he chaired Cebu’s Archdiocesan Commission on Worship; managed the archdiocese’s two publications; served as chaplain to two lay groups; and was rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Talisay. In 2011, he helped direct the installation of Cebu archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines from 2011 to 2013.
Sometime before his June 2012 removal, Garcia was interviewed by a National Geographic reporter about his famous ivory collection and the country’s extensive trade in illegal ivory. The magazine published its exposé in September 2012, triggering much reaction. Cebu archbishop Palma then announced that Garcia had been suspended the previous June because of a Vatican investigation of sexual abuse by the priest.
In October 2012, archbishop emeritus Cardinal Vidal held a news conference to say that Garcia had not been expelled by the Dominican order in the 1980s, as the Dominicans had claimed. The order had granted Garcia an “indult exclaustration,” Vidal said, which allowed him to transfer out of the order to a diocese if he could find a “benevolent bishop” to accept him. Vidal said he was that bishop.
In January 2014, the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation said it found “no sufficient evidence” to link Garcia to the illegal trade of ivory.
Garcia was laicized in 2017 and died in 2021.
Headline: ‘It’s As If No One Wants to Face What Happened,’ One Father Said.; Church, Families Deal with Child Sex Abuse by Priests, by Marita Hernandez and John Dart, Los Angeles Times, 06.20.88
Priest Accused of Rapes Finds Prominence, by Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News, 03.16.05
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
Snapshots of Catholic Priests Accused of Abuse, Associated Press, 04.14.10
Priest Who Had Sex with Boys Now Tells How to Smuggle Ivory, by Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News, 09.18.12
Priest Linked to Sex Abuse in US, Expelled by Dominicans, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 09.24.12
Priest Who Had Sex with Boys Vanishes from Public Eye, by Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News, 09.25.12
Ivory Investigation Sparks Coverage and Inquiries in the Philippines, National Geographic, 09.25.12
Priest Suspended on 20-Year-Old Child Abuse Raps, by Connie E. Fernandez, The Inquirer, 09.26.12
Vatican Sacked Cebu Priest Months Ahead of Ivory Scandal, Says Church Exec, by Connie E. Fernandez, The Inquirer, 09.27.12
Vatican Finally Suspends Priest Who Admitted Sex with Boys, by Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News, 09.27.12
Order Didn’t Banish Priest, Cardinal Explains, by Bernadette A. Parco, sunstar.com, 10.04.12
Father Cristobal Garcia: Priest Fled to the Philippines and Rose in the Church, by Dana Bartholomew, Los Angeles Daily News, 01.26.13
Garcia File from L.A, Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Priest Cleared of Links to Ivory Trade. Philippines Investigators Say Insufficient Evidence Found, by Joe Torres, ucanews.com (Union of Catholic Asian News), 01.31.14
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Friars with Established Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors, Dominican Friars Holy Name Province, 10.26.21
Bro. Stephen Michael Greinke, M.B.P.H.
Society of the Missionary Brothers of Perpetual Help
Naval diocese, Philippines
American missionary. Founded the Society of the Missionary Brothers of Perpetual Help in the Philippines’ Naval diocese in 1990. Arrested in 1993, charged with acts of laciviousness against a 19-year-old male Filipino. Undercover authorities were said to have taken pictures of Greinke having oral sex with teens of the Congregation on Naval beach. Charges were later dropped. Greinke accused Naval bishop Bactol of molesting young boys. In November 2024 Greinke is a bishop of the (alternative) Holy Catholic Church in Kansas.
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Philippines, Catholics for Choice, 12.2004
Biliran Bishop Accused of Sexual Molestation, by Ging Reyes, ABS CBN, 12.29.07
Priests Rally Behind Bishop After Revival of Sex Abuse Charges, ucanews.com, 01.10.08
The Society of the Missionary Brothers of Perpetual Help, oocities.org, 10.2009
Bishop Stephen M. Greinke, MBPH, Holy Catholic Church, 11.13.24
Bishop Dinualdo Destajo Gutierrez
Marbel diocese, Philippines
Brooklyn NY diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1962. Accused in a lawsuit settled in April 2022 of sexually abusing a boy, age 11-12, multiple times while a visiting priest from the Philippines at St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor, New York in the early 1970s. Bishop of the Marbel diocese 1982-2018. Died in 2019.
Plaintiff v The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn New York et al, 02.16.20
Brooklyn diocese settles sex abuse lawsuit vs Filipino bishop, by Cristina DC Pastor, The FilAm, 04.23.22
Rev. Peter Andrew Hansen
Melbourne archdiocese, Australia
Australian. Melbourne priest 1996 until his resignation in 2011. Lawyer and former Labor Party official. Arrested in October 2018. Convicted of producing child pornography in Vietnam and the Philippines and the sexual abuse of nine boys, ages 10-14. Police in the Philippines had investigated the 2016 sexual abuse of the boys. Began a 19-year jail sentence in June 2021. Eligible for parole in October 2032.
‘I exploited them’: Ex-priest and ALP official ‘ashamed’ of child sexual abuse, by Jenny Noyes, Sydney Morning Herald, 02.23.21
Former Labor official Peter Hansen sent ‘abhorrent’ encrypted messages about sex with children, court told, by Paige Cockburn, ABC News [Australia], 06.02.21
Jailed pedophile ex-priest stripped of law credentials, by William Ton, North West Star (Australia), 08.15.23
Rev. Kenneth B. Hendricks
Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans)
Cincinnati archdiocese, U.S.
Naval diocese, Philippines
Took vows in 1962 as a Franciscan brother in Cincinnati. “Brother Pius.” Assistant Director of the Over-the Rhine Youth Club in 1966. Transferred to the Philippines in 1984. Left the Franciscans in 1986. Ordained for the priesthood, worked in the Diocese of Naval, Philippines for 37 years. Would return to Cincinnati in the summers. Arrested in Naval, Biliran Province, Philippines in December 2018. Accused of the sexual abuse of 10 boys there, as young as age 7; there may be at least 50 victims. By November 2019 around 20 had come forward. Some lived with him and were allegedly abused during baths with Hendricks. The Cincinnati Archdiocese denies authority over Hendricks, but says it did raise money for his Philippines mission. Died January 26, 2022, while on trial for the sexual abuse of two boys, who were brothers.
Cincinnati priest accused of abusing altar boys in the Philippines, by John London, WLWT, 12.06.18
Records Show Priest Accused of Sexual Abuse Worked in Cincinnati As “Brother Pius”, by Walter Smith-Randolph, WKRC, 12.06.18
American Priest Is Accused of Molesting Boys in the Philippines, by Jason Gutierrez, New York Times, 12.06.18
Priest from Cincinnati accused of abusing ‘multiple young boys’ in the Philippines, by Dan HOrn, Cameron Knight and Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12.06.18
Five Things We Know about Priest Kenneth Hendricks Accused of Molesting Altar Boys in the Philippines, by Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12.06.18
Cincinnati Priest in Philippines Accused of Sexually Abusing “Multiple Young Boys“, by Jim Gomez, Associated Press, 12.06.18
Pedophile US Priest Arrested in the Philippines Had Child Rape Den, Preston Business Review, 12.07.18
Philippine villagers struggle with priest sex abuse shock, by Ronald O. Reyes, UCA News, 04.15.19
Ex-clergyman says US priest in Philippines a known pedophile, by Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, 09.09.19
Why no priest is ever convicted of child sex abuse in Philippines, by Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, 09.09.19
A priest from Cincinnati, a Philippine village, and decades of secrecy, by Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, 09.09.19
US Priest Who Gave out gifts in Philippines accused of abuse, by Time Sullivan, Associated Press, 11.06.19
Requiem for an indicted priest, by Danny Petilla, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 02.12.22
Rev. Henry H. Herrera, C.M.F.
Claretian Missionaries (Claretians)
Fort Worth TX diocese , U.S.
Claretian Missionary of the United States, Western Province, ordained in 1942. Worked on the island of Basilan in the Southern Philippines 1969-1975. Taught in CA; worked in the El Paso TX diocese; worked in Fort Worth TX diocese 1975-1979. Transferred to an AZ parish. Died November 29, 1996 in AZ. Added in late 2011 or early 2012 to the Fort Worth diocese’s list of priests with “Allegations of Semblance of Truth of Sexual Misconduct with Minors.”
Priest Goes from Tropics to Mission in Mid-Valley, by Phil Manzano, Statesman Journal, 09.27.81
Prescott Courier 12.02.96
Diocese of Fort Worth List, 01.01.2012
Former Nolan Catholic High Student Sues Fort Worth Diocese, Alleges Assaults in the 1980s, by Mitch Mitchell, Fort Worth Star Telegram, 01.31.12
Rev. A. Leo Hofstee, O.P.
Order of Preachers (Dominicans)
Military archdiocese, U.S.
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Ordained in 1932 in Washington D.C. First arrived in the Philippines as a military chaplain in 1945; from 1947 until his death in 1986 he worked among lepers in the Tala Leprosarium, outside of Manila. He died in 1986. Hofstee was named publicly as accused of child sexual abuse by the Dominicans’ Holy Name Province on its list in October 2021. It notes, “An allegation of an act of abuse was deemed established by the Provincial after consultation with the Province Review Board in 2018.” It is unclear where the alleged abuse took place. (The list misspells his name “Hoffstee.”)
Rev. Anthony Hofstee to say Mass, Green Bay Press-Gazette, 05.26.32
U.S. Priest Gives Hope to Thousands of Lepers, Southern Nebraska Register, 12.29.61
Priest Dies After Three Decades of Work with Victims of Leprosy, UCA News, 05.06.86
Dominicans Holy Name Province List 10.26.21
Rev. Orestes M. Huerta
Dodge City KS diocese, U.S.
Boac diocese, Philippines
Priest of the Diocese of Boac. Assigned as an extern priest September 1997-September 2000 in the Diocese of Dodge City KS. Per the Dodge City diocese’s website in May 2010, credible allegations of abuse were made against Huerta involving conduct that occurred before 1990. Boac’s Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista stated in August 2010 that he would not investigate allegations “based on hazy and unverified reports from the internet.” In 2012, however, the Dodge City diocese stated that they had learned of Huerta’s alleged abuses from sources in Boac, not Dodge City, and that the incidents had occurred there in the Philippines. Listed as “diocesan priest with no parish assignment” in an online 2012-2013 Catholic Directory. Resident priest, Sacred Heart Pastoral Center, Boac. In June 2017, Huerta remained listed on the diocesan website as at Sacred Heart Pastoral Center, Mataas na Bayan, Boac, Marinduque. He died July 17, 2022.
Update: Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, 05.2010
There Are “credible” Claims of Abuse against Two Former Priests, by Shaun Hittle, Lawrence Journal World, 07.09.10
Priest Accused of Sexual Abuse in Kansas Still Working in Philippines, by Shaun Hittle, Lawrence Journal World, 07.21.10
Philippine Bishop Ignore Internet Claims about Priest Who Served in Kansas, Catholic Sentinel, 08.17.10
Church Fails to Verify Priest’s Status, by Shaun Hittle, Lawrence Journal World, 08.29.10
Priest Accused of Abuse in US Remains in Ministry in Philippines, Catholic Culture, 08.30.10
Diocese of Boac, 06.2-17
Devine Mercy Apostolate-Diocese of Baoc’s Post, Facebook, 07.17.22
Rev. Karole Reward Israel
Tuguegarao archdiocese, Philippines
Ordained in May 2021, assigned to St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Solana, Cagayan. Arrested in October 2022 by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), charged with multiple incidents of sexual abuse, including rape, of a 15-year-old girl, who was a member of the parish youth group. Israel also allegedly secretly videotaped the abuse, then blackmailed the girl by threatening to show the videos on social media if she told, and if she refused to have sex with him. Israel denied the allegations. According to Fr. Shay Cullen of the Preda Foundation, a priest promised her a scholarship if she dropped her complaint, but she refused. Israel was freed on bail. The archdiocese stated that it would “fully cooperate with the prosecution service towards the conduct of an unbiased preliminary investigation and will also extend its assistance to our priest.” It further stated, “…we earnestly ask for prayers for all priests who bear all the frailties that afflict us all.”
Israel was rearrested in March 2023 and jailed without the possibility of parole. In November 2024 he remained in jail, awaiting trial.
Reverendo of the Day, Archdiocese of Tuguegarao via Instagram, 05.18.21
Filipino priest arrested for abusing church volunteer, UCA News, 10.25.22
Old clerical abuse habits die hard in the Philippines, by Fr. Shay Cullen, UCA News, 01.17.23
Philippine Church must let law take its own course, by Fr. Shay Cullen, UCA News, 01.31.23
Arrest warrent issued for Solana priest accused of rape, Northern Forum, 03.02.23
There’s little accountability for clergy abuse in Philippines, by Fr. Shay Cullen, UCA News, 03.03.23
Priest accused of molesting student in Cayagan surrenders, by Liezle Basa Inigo, Manila Bulletin, 03.04.23
Church, civil laws must hold priests accountable for child abuse, by Fr. Shay Cullen, UCA News, 06.05.23
Archdiocese vows cooperation in priests’s abuse case, CBCP News, 10.20.22
Child abuse committed by priests, abetted by corporates, goes unpunished, by Fr. Shay Cullen, 11.14.24
The successes and failures of the Philippine courts and police, by Fr. Shay Cullen, Philippine Daily Mirror, 12.03.24
Rev. Sylvio Lacar
Laoag diocese, Phillipines
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Kingston ON archdiocese, Canada
Extern priest from the Philippines. Ordination date unclear. An online history of San Nicolas Tolentine Parish in the Laoag diocese states that a Rev. Sylvio Lacar had served there. The L.A. Times reported in April 1984 that Lacar was “listed in the 1983 Filipino priest directory as on leave or abroad… .” In 1980-1984 he was assigned in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese. Accused in a 1984 lawsuit, along with six other priests, of the sexual abuse of a girl, beginning when she was 16 years old, 1980-1982. The girl became pregnant by one of the priests (not Lacar). Lacar is said to have helped secretly send her to the Philippines for the pregnancy and birth. Many or all of the accused fled the country (with support from the Archdiocese) after the suit was filed. The claims were resolved in a 2007 settlement. Lacar went on to active parish ministry in Canada. He was retired from the Diocese of Peterborough and active in the Archdiocese of Edmonton when removed from public ministry in December 2020, the Archdiocese citing the credible Los Angeles allegations. Lacar denied the allegations.
Woman alleges seduction by 7 priests, by Dan Weikel and Janet Barker, News-Pilot, [San Pedro CA] 02.09.84
Accused Priests: Parishioners Feel Hurt and Dismay, by Pat MOrrison and Bob Secter, Los Angeles Times, 04.15.84
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
L.A. Times Database, 04.20.06
Tamayo File, L.A. Archdiocese, 01.31.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Office of Communications, The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, 12.24.20
Edmonton Catholic priest removed under allegations of historic sexual abuse of minor, by Lauren Boothby, Edmonton Journal, 12.27.20
San Nicolas Parish History, Diocese of Laoag Blog, accessed 01.24.15
Rev. Arnel Lagarejos
Antipolo diocese, Philippines
Monsignor. President of Cainta Catholic College and priest of St. John the Baptist Parish in Poblacion, Taytay, Rizal. Caught by law enforcement in July 2017 in a sting operation attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex in Marikina City. He had ‘booked’ the girl twice before through a 16-year-old pimp. She said that Lagarejos had threatened her with a gun to keep her from other men. Lagarejos was removed from all ministry and positions in the diocese by Antipolo Bishop Francis de Leon pending a police investigation. Then-President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, said in response to the allegations and arrest, “As Christians, we are bound to forgive those who sin against us as we ask God to forgive our sins. So much so if the sin was not really committed.” Lagarejos was criminally charged under the Anti-Human Trafficking Act. He was released on bail August 2, 2017. A second complaint was filed by the girl’s mother before the DOJ on September 5, 2017, under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, which is non-bailable. The family sought to be placed under Witness Protection due to threats to their lives, according to the Philippine News Agency. No information found in January 2025 regarding the outcome of the case or of Lagarejos’s whereabouts.
Taytay priest named for ‘booking’ 13-year-old girl, by Pterno Esmaquel Ii, Rappler, 07.29.17
Taytay priest faced dismissal over ‘child trafficking’, Manila Times, 07.30.17
No VIP treatment for priest arrested with minor in Marikina, Inquirer, 07.30.17
Priest nabbed in Marikina for allegedly attempting to have sex with 13-year-old girl, by Rex Remitio, CNN Philippines, 07.30.17
Priest relieved over trafficking allegations of 13-year-old girl, CBCP News, 07.30.17
CBCP Asks 13-year-old Girl Victim’s Mother to Forgive Priest Who Was Arrested for Attempted Sexual Abuse, Philippine News Courier, 07.30.17
Priest abused girl twice – probers, by Non Alquitran, Philippine News, 07.31.17
Arrested Taytay priest a gun owner – police, by Rie Takumi, GMA News, 07.31.17
Filipino priest in child abuse case suspended, by Manolo B. Jara, Gulf Today, 08.01.17
Priest in trafficking of minor case posts bail, by Jodee A. Agoncillo and Tina G. Santos, Inquirer, 08.01.17
Retired Judge Behind P120K Bail Approval for Priest Who Was Arrested for Trafficking 13-Year Old Girl?, by Salvi Dalida, Philippine News Courier, 08.02.17
Catholic priest caught taking 13-year-old girl to hotel faces Vatican investigation, by Jordan Bhatt, International Business Times, 08.02.17
In solidarity with Msgr. Lagarejos, by Bel R. San Luis, Manila Bulletin, 08.03.17
How CBCP probes clergy sexual abuse, by Anton C. Onato, ABS-CBN, 08.06.17
‘Forgive them Father for they have sinned’, Manila Times, 09.04.17
Sexually deviant priests sent to Tagatay for rehab, by Anton C. Onato, ABS-CBN, 08.07.17
Another complaint filed vs Taytay priest in trafficking case, by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, 09.05.17
Lookout order issued vs Taytay priest nabbed with minor, by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency, 09.07.17
Taytay priest no-show in trafficking case hearing, by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency, 09.11.17
Priest in sex soliciting case asks DOJ to dismiss trafficking raps, by Virgil Lopez, GMA News, 09.22.17
Deliver us from evil – within: Philippine bishops to update guidelines on protection of minors, The Varsitarian, 10.30.18
Rev. Clint Landry
Fairbanks AK diocese, U.S.
Prior to his ordination in 2011, Landry was a long-time schoolteacher in New Orleans, LA. Arrived in Fairbanks, AK in 2009. Assigned to Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fairbanks when arrested in October 2014 on child pornography charges. A parish custodian reported that she saw an open message on Landry’s computer of a sexually explicit image of a 13-year-old girl. The Diocese searched the computer which yielded multiple sexually explicit messages, including Landry negotiating online in May 2014 payment to a teenage boy in the Philippines in exchange for live transmission of child pornography. Between June 4 and August 7, 2013, Landry communicated with at least 7 email accounts in the Philippines to view live video of a minor engaging in “sexually explicit conduct.” He pleaded guilty in March 2015. Sentenced in June 2015 to 10 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Laicized. Released from prison in January 2023.
Fairbanks priest facing pornography charge granted bail release, News-Miner, 10.31.14
Former Fairbanks priest pleads guilty to soliciting and paying for child porn, Alaska Dispatch News, 03.12.15
Former Fairbanks priest pleads guilty in child pornography case, Fairbanks News-Miner, 03.13.15
Former Fairbanks priest who bought child porn to be monitored for life, by Chris Klint, KTUU, 06.08.15
Fairbanks priest sentenced to 10 years for child sex crimes, by Hope Miller, KTVA Alaska, 06.08.15
Clint Michael Landry, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 01.10.23
Rev. John W. Lennon
Maryknoll Fathers
Lipa diocese, Philippines
Tagum diocese, Philippines
Boston MA archdiocese, U.S.
New York NY archdiocese, U.S.
Ordained for the Maryknoll order in 1955. After a year of studies in New York, the Philippines, Massachusetts and Ireland, he settled into ministry in the Philippines. There for over a decade, Lennon pastored several parishes, directed high schools, was a college president and served as superintendent of schools for the Tagum diocese. He was also a U.S. military chaplain. Lennon returned to the United States in the late 1960s, working in pastoral ministry for a short time at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, followed by a brief stint as associate pastor of St. Anthony’s in New York’s Bronx borough. In 1970 Lennon was assigned to New York’s Cardinal Hayes High School where he he served as a teacher, administrator, and moderator of athletics. He appears to have left the Maryknolls in approximately 1975. In 1981 he left Cardinal Hayes to pastor St. Gregory’s parish in Manhattan, remaining there until 1989 when he became pastor of St. John the Baptist in Yonkers.
In April 2002 Lennon was suspended from ministry after an allegation emerged that he had molested a Cardinal Hayes High School student in the mid-1970s. His accuser said that he was on the school’s hockey team when Lennon was in charge of athletics, and that the abuse occurred during weekend trips. Lennon denied wrongdoing.
In April 2008 it was reported in Catholic New York, the archdiocesan newspaper, that “in accord with the provisions of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the following priest of the Archdiocese of New York, having had his case presented to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has been dismissed from the clerical state: John Lennon.” He died December 16, 2012.
Sex scandal claims Yonkers pastor, by Gary Stern and Ernie Garcia, Journal News, April 19, 2002
Vicar Apologizes to Yonkers Parish, by Bruce Golding, Journal News, April 21, 2002
The Accused, USA Today, November 11, 2002
Yonkers Parishioners Demand Priest’s Return, by Gary Stern, Journal News, January 12, 2003
Egan Shutting Door on Suspended Priests, by Gary Stern, Journal News, September 14, 2003
Six N.Y. Priests Defrocked, by Gary Stern, Journal News, July 9, 2005
6 Years Later, a Former Yonkers Priest is Quietly Defrocked, by Gary Stern, Blogging Religiously, April 7, 2008
Rev. John Lennon, Flower Funeral Home, December 16, 2012
List of Archdiocesan Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor or the Subject of Eligible IRCPCompensation Claims, Archdiocese of New York, April 26, 2019
Rev. John W. Lennon Assignment History, BishopAccountability.org
Rev. Rosario Lopez, O.S.B.
Order of St. Benedict (Benedictines)
Las Cruces NM diocese, U.S.
Laoag diocese, Philippines
Filipino. Worked in the Las Cruces NM diocese (then part of El Paso Diocese) in the mid-1970s. Returned to the Philippines. Replaced in his parish by Rev. Manuel Perez Maramba, O.S.B. Both priests were accused in an April 2010 lawsuit of sexual abuse by a former altar boy.
El Paso, Las Cruces Dioceses Settle on Sexual Abuse Suit, Alamogordo Daily News 05.21.11
Catholic dioceses of El Paso, Las Cruces settle priest sex abuse lawsuit, El Paso Times, 05.21.11
Suit Claims Abuse by Las Cruces Priests, El Paso Times, 04.18.10
Catholic Diocese of El Paso Faces More Allegations of Sex Abuse, by Diana Washington Valdez, El Paso Times, 05.11.10
Rev. Gabriel Madangeng, Jr.
Bontoc Lagawe, Philippines (Apostolic Vicariate)
“Father Gabby.” Criminally charged in 2007 with the rape of and lasciviousness acts on 17-year-old girl, beginning in July 2006 when she was age 14. The abuse allegedly took place in the girl’s room at the St. Rita Parish convent, and began when Madangeng started coming into her room at night. The girl said she delayed reporting because she was afraid to lose a scholarship to St. Vincent High School in Bontoc, which Madangeng had arranged. In July 2008 he was charged with the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl August 3-December 11, 2006. Bishop Medroso stated that the case “must be immediately resolved to minimize the scandal.” In July 2016 KAMI reported that there were two other victims. Madangeng denied the charges. According to journalist Mark Meruenas of GMA News in 2012, he had been assigned to another parish.
14-Year-Old Convent Girl Cries Rape Vs Priest, by Maria Elena Catajan, Sun.Star, 05.11.08
SunStar: Another Teen cries rape vs Priest, GMA News, 06.23.08
Speedy Resolution of MP Priest’s Rape Case Sought, Sun.Star, 06.25.08
Bishop wants rape case vs. priest resolved, by Anthony Vargas, Manila Times, 06.26.08
Bontoc priest cited in 2 sex cases, Filipino Reporter, 07.04.08
Some sex scandals that rocked the Catholic Church, by Mark Meruenas, GMA News, 04.03.12
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Magugaulat ka talaga dito at Hindi mo aakalain, Pinakatagong mga sikreto ng CBCP walang takot na ibinunyag, newsngayonsapilipinas blog, 09.18.18
Rev. Perry Malacaman
Davao archdiocese, Philippines
Wheeling-Charleston WV diocese, U.S.
“Pericles.” Ordained in 1972 for the Archdiocese of Davao, Philippines. Assigned to parishes in the Wheeling-Charleston WV diocese 1993-2009. Retired and living in Beckley WV when arrested in July 2022, charged with “involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person younger than 16.” The abuse allegedly occurred over a five-year period, beginning ten years previously. Malacaman’s accuser, a family member, was age 19 in July 2022 when he came forward to police, and said he was abused from ages 9-14. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 3-6 years in prison in August 2023.
Retired W.Va. priest accused of abusing boy in Butler County, Tribune-Review 07.28.22
Pennsylvania State Police investigating alleged sexual abuse by retired priest in Butler County, KDKA 07.28.22
Former Beckley priest charged with sexual assault of a minor in Pennsylvania, WDTV 07.29.22
84 yr old priest from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston charged with sexual assault in Pennsylvania, SNAP, 07.29.22
Retired priest sentenced to prison for sexual abuse, butlereagle.com, 08.11.23
Rev. Rex Mansmann, C.P.
Congregation of the Passion of Jesus (Passionists)
Marbel diocese, Philippines
American. Ordained in 1960. Founder and longtime director of Santa Cruz Mission in Lake Sebu, Philippines. Accused in 1991 of raping 13-year-old T´Boli tribal girl. Rumored to have fathered several children with T’Boli women. Per UCA news in October 1991, Mansmann had been accused of rape twice before. Mansmann and his supporters claimed the “attack on [his] name” were the latest in a government organization’s efforts to shut down Santa Cruz Mission. Removed from his order for disobeying orders not to return to the Philippines to face charges in 1993. Found not guilty in May 1994. Living in the Philippines in 2022, per his sister’s obituary.
Passionists to Ordain 2, Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, 04.24.60
Catholic Bishop in Philippines Lauds Work of City Passionist, by Robert Schwartz, Pittsburgh Press, 05.27.72
Photo Memory – Philippines 1974, ccprovince.org
Trial Over, Doubts Linger In Chicago Priest`s Death, by Teresa Albor, Chicago Tribune, 03.18.89
Hearing on Father Mansmann’s Alleged Rape Case is Stalled, UCA News, 10.23.1991
Missioner who Worked Among T’Boli Tribals Cleared of Rape Charge, UCA News, 07.27.94
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
youtube.com, 12.31.20
Patricia Mansmann Obituary, tributearchive.com, 11.08.22
Rev. Conrad Ursua Mantac
San Carlos diocese, Philippines
Ordained in 1996. “Fr. Con.” Arrested in Saga City in March 2023 for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in 2022 while assigned to Most Holy Rosary Parish in Sagay. The girl was a member of the parish choir. Mantac was suspended from ministry in December 2022 after the Diocese received the complaint. He denied the allegations. In December 2024 he was shown on social media presiding at a mass at St. John Mary Vianney Seminary College.
Cops nab priest facing raps for alleged rape of choir girl, by Carla P. Gomez, Digicast Negros, 03.29.23
Philippine bishop assures cooperation in probe into alleged rape case involving priest, LiCAS.news, 03.29.23
Catholic priests, bishops must obey the words of Jesus of Nazareth, by Fr. Shay Cullen, Manila Times, 04.30.23
1st Day of Misa de Aguinaldo, St. John Mary Vianney Seminary College, Inc. via Facebook, 12.16.24
Rev. Manuel Perez “Benildo” Maramba, O.S.B.
Order of St. Benedict (Benedictines)
El Paso TX diocese, U.S.
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
“Dom Benildo.” Known internationally as a foremost music composer of sacred text. Musician in residence at St. John’s College in Santa Fe NM 1974-1976; Newman Center in Silver City NM; Parish priest in Las Cruces, NM 1976-1977 (Las Cruces was in El Paso TX diocese until the Las Cruces diocese was formed.) Recalled by his order to the Philippines in 1977 allegedly after accusations of the sexual abuse of boys in New Mexico. There were multiple lawsuits in the 2000s with claims that he sexually abused Las Cruces boys in the mid-1970s, at least one as young as age 6. Incidents were said to have occurred during sleepovers at the parish and during a trip to Disneyland. Settlements with the El Paso TX diocese were reached in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Listed online in the 2012-2013 Catholic Directory as a monk of Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat. Also listed as a faculty member at
San Beda College in Mendiola, Manila; Maramba performed at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in 2014; listed as a Defender of the Bond of CBCP’s National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal. Maramba died in July 2020.
National Appellate Marriage Tribunal, CBCP, 1995
Father, Wherefore Art Thou? Former New Mexico Priest Was Sent to the Philippines in the 1970s, by L. Brendan, Santa Fe Reporter, 07.07.04
Priest Accused in 1970s Abuse Case, by Paul Logan, Albuquerque Journal [New Mexico], 08.07.04
Las Cruces Diocese, St. Genevieve’s Named in Abuse Lawsuit, by Jose L. Medina, Las Cruces Sun-News [New Mexico], 03.01.07
Lawsuit Alleging Abuse by Ex-St. Genevieve’s Priest Settled, by Ashley Meeks, Sun-News, 04.02.10
San Beda Monk Implicated in Three Sexual Abuse Cases in New Mexico, Manila Standard Today, 04.05.10
Sex Abuse Case Catches Alumni by Surprise, UCA News [Philippines], 04.08.10
4 of 30 Abusive Catholic Priests are Pinoys, Sun Star, 04.17.10
Suit Claims Abuse by Las Cruces Priests, El Paso Times, 04.18.10
El Paso, Las Cruces Dioceses Settle on Sexual Abuse Suit, by Daily News Report, Alamogordo Daily News, 05.21.11
2014 ‘Tribute to Thomasian’ features Fr. Maramba, Korean classical musicians, Inquirer.net, 03.24.14
Obituary, Ministry of Altar Servers via Facebook, 07.20.20
In Memoriam, UST Symphony Orchestra via Facebook, 07.16.20
Rev. Leonardo Mateo
Tagbilaran diocese, Philippines
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Joliet IL diocese, U.S.
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
Ordained in 1956 for the Tagbilaran diocese, Philippines. Worked in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese 1959-1960. Assigned in the El Paso diocese 1975-1976. Worked in the Joliet IL diocese 1977-1984; returned to the Cebu archdiocese after he was accused of sexually abusing boys at an Elmhurst IL parish. Accused in a 2003 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a child in Los Angeles in 1959. Died in 2004. Accused in a September 2014 lawsuit of the sexual abuse of three boys, ages 6-11, in the Joliet diocese 1980-1982. Per the 2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, there were at least 10 victims of abuse by Mateo.
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
L.A. Archdiocesan Report Addendum,11.15.05
Diocese of Joliet Press Release, 04.09.06
Joliet Diocese List of Prests with Credible Allegations, 03.12.13
Reform Group Targets George, by Cathleen Falsani, Chicago Sun Times, 04.11.06
Priests in Sex Cases Listed: Joliet Diocese Names 22 on Internet Site, by Manya A. Brachear, Chicago Tribune, 04.11.06
History of Abuse Allegations, by Tony Graf and Ted Slowik, The Herald News [Joliet IL], 05.17.06
Diocese Releases Records on West Suburban Priests Accused of Abuse, Adds Names to List of the Accused, by Brian Hudson, My Suburban Life, 03.12.13
Secret Archive Contains Records of Alleged Sexual Abuse in Diocese of Joliet, by Chuck Goudie, ABC7 Eyewitness News, 03.19.13
Joliet Diocese faces another sex abuse lawsuit, by Mitch Armentrout, Sun Times, 09.18.14
IL Attorney General’s Report ,05.23.23
Rev. Denis McAlinden
Maitland Newcastle diocese, Australia
Papua New Guinea
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Philippines
Irish. Originally of the Redemptorist order. Arrived in Australia in 1949. Admitted to pedophilia. Criminally charged in western Australia in 1992. Acquitted. Stripped of faculties by the Maitland Newcastle bishop in 1993 yet still in ministry in the Philippines the mid-1990s, as a school chaplain. Possibly 100 victims throughout his career, mostly girls ages 4-12. Reported to police by the Newcastle Maitland diocese 2003. Died in 2005.
Senior priest aware of McAlinden rumours in late 1980s, by Ian Kirkwood, Newcastle Herald, 07.17.13
Senior Priest Defends Dealings With Paedophiles: Inquiry, by Ian Kirkwood, Newcastle Herald, 07.25.13
Australian Sex Abuse Inquiry Concludes Public Hearings, by Stephen Crittenden, NCR, 08.08.13
Irish warned abuser priest Denis McAlinden was ‘difficult,’ by Dan box, The Australian, 09.23.13
Rev. James P. McSorley, O.M.I.
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Cotobato archdiocese, Philippines
Oakland CA diocese, U.S.
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Portland OR archdiocese, U.S.
Military Services archdiocese, Germany
Boise ID diocese, U.S.
Monterey CA diocese, U.S.
Seattle WA archdiocese, U.S.
Great Falls-Billings MT diocese, U.S.
Miami FL archdiocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1946. Spent the first fifteen years of priesthood in the Philippines, where he worked in parishes and helped establish St. Mary’s Academy in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Brother of Bishop Francis John McSorley, OMI, bishop of Jolo, Philippines 1958-1970. Returned to the United States in the early 1960s, and was moved often thereafter. McSorley went from the Diocese of Oakland CA to the Archdioceses of Los Angeles CA and Portland OR, then to Germany as a military chaplain. In 1971 he was assigned briefly to a Diocese of Boise ID parish, then as sole priest at another. By 1977 he was back in the Diocese of Oakland, at Bishop O’Dowd High School and then a parish in Pinole. From there he moved through the Diocese of Monterey CA, the Archdiocese of Seattle WA, the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT, the Archdiocese of Miami FL, and back to Seattle. His last stop was the Oblate’s Mission House in Oakland CA, where he was based from 1985 until his death in 2005.
McSorley’s Order knew of concerns about his behavior with children at least as early as 1965, when the pastor of St. Alice’s in Springfield OR alerted them and asked that he not be returned to the parish. In a 2001 lawsuit McSorley was accused of having sexually abused a boy at St. Alice’s in 1964. In 1993 a man reported to the Diocese that McSorley molested him and other boys at Sacred Heart in Boise during 1971-1972. This accuser went to the Diocese again in the early 2000s. The Diocese never contacted police. McSorley has also been the subject of allegations stemming from his time in Germany and Washington.
‘Catholic Mother of 1948’ Reared 14; 8 in ‘Religion’, Catholic Advance, 04.30.48
Oregon’s Accused Clergy, by Ashbel S. Green, The Oregonian, 07.07.02
Father James P. McSorley, O.M.I., Catholic Voice, 06.20.05
James McSorley Obituary, Lowell Sun, 06.04.05
Portland Claims, The Oregonian, 11.12.06
Accused Clerics, Contra Costa Times, 04.01.08
Clergy Members Accused of Abuse, Edmonds Beacon, 01.16.16
A Boise Priest Abused Him and Kept Him Quite with Beer. He Was 12. Police Never Knew., by Ruth Brown, Idaho Statesman, 05.24.18
After Oregon abuse, problem priest was sent to Boise. This was his next victim, by Ruth Brown, Idaho Statesman, 05.24.18
Rev. Apolinario Mejorada, O.S.A.
Order of St. Augustine (Augustinians)
Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines province
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
San Pablo diocese, Philippines
“Fr. Jing.” On October 1999, an altar boy at Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu City told a priest and the boy’s seminarian-brother that he had been sexually assaulted on two recent occasions by Mejorada, the rector of the Basilica. In October 2000, Mejorada and the Augustinian order settled with the complainant, Mitchal Gatchalian, and two other alleged victims, also former altar boys, paying each youth $2,400 (120,000 pesos). The three youths believed that Mejorada would be sent to Africa. In the spring of 2002, however, Gatchalian was told that Mejorada had been readmitted to the order and was back in Cebu. The youth went to the police, who interviewed the priest but didn’t pursue the case. They told the complainant instead to write to Cebu archbishop Cardinal Vidal.
On July 19, 2002, the three former altar boys and another alleged victim spoke to news reporters, sharing a letter they had sent to Cardinal Vidal. “We are willing to face the world to tell the truth, no matter how shameful and humiliating … if that should prove the only way we can stop the abuse of other young boys,” they said. That same day, a member of the Augustinian community, Fr. Ambrosio Galindez OSA, told reporters that Mejorada had admitted to wrongdoing.
Cardinal Vidal said he would form a committee to investigate Mejorada. In January 2003, the archdiocese publicly reported its finding. It suggested but did not say definitively that Mejorada was guilty, and it did not propose any sanctions. However, some news outlets quoted an unnamed source inside the church who said that members of the archdiocesan investigative team “were all convinced” of Mejorada’s guilt. A few days later, Gatchalian and another victim filed a criminal complaint with the Cebu City Prosecutor’s office. “Seeing no justice from within the church leadership, I have decided to seek justice from the regular courts,” Gatchalian said in his affidavit.
In May 2003, Associate City Prosecutor Rogelio del Prado recommended indicting Mejorada for “acts of lasciviousness.” Reviewing Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon rejected this recommendation, ruling that a December 1999 demand letter by Gatchalian’s attorney for 10 million pesos proved that the youth was only after money. In June 2003, City Prosecutor Jose Pedrosa approved Sellon’s ruling and the criminal case against Mejorada was dismissed. Gatchalian appealed. As of March 2011, his case was still pending in the Court of Appeals. The Court eventually acquitted Mejorada. He was a featured panelist in November 2011 at an Augustinian conference in Quezon City, Philippines. Listed as Parochial Vicar, Mother of Good Counsel Parish, San Pedro, Laguna; Local Vocation Director, Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines. That listing remained in June 2017.
No further information found in November 2024.
Augustine Priest Charged with Sex Abuse, by Lino Gilbert K. Parone Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 07.21.02
Former Altar Boys File Abuse Complaint, Gulf News [UAE], 07.23.02
2 Boys Sue Priest for Sex Abuse, Sun Star, 01.16.03
Augustinian Priest Sued for Sex Abuses, by Lino Parone, Jr. and Suzzane Salva, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 01.17.03
Fr. Jing Cleared of Sex Rap: Money Hunt, by Karlon N. Rama, Philippines Sun Star, 06.09.03
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
Bishop Wants Rape Case vs. Priest Resolved, by Anthony Vargas, Manila Times (Philippines), 06.26.08
Bontoc Priest Cited in 2 Sex Cases, Filipino Reporter, 07.04.08
Ex-Altar Boy, Now a Lawyer, ‘Not Actively Pursuing’ Case Vs. Priest, Sun Star, 03.21.11
Mission Thrust Caps the Four-Year Series of Augustinian Spirituality Congress, sacs-stvi.org, 11.06.11
Mother of God Counsel Parish Bulletin, 11.2011
List of Priests in San Pablo Diocese, frjessie.blogspot.com, 09.18.14
Augustinian Province of Santo Nino de Cebu website, 01.06.15
In Philippines, a Child Alleges Abuse by Catholic Priest — and Tests Vatican Promise for Global Reckoning, by Shibani Mahtani and Regine Cabato, Washington Post, 06.23.20
Rev. Mercurio Montenegro, M.S.C.
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
“Cur.” Graduated in 1963 from the MSC Sacred Heart Seminary, Lawaan, Talisay, Cebu. Parish priest in Cordoba, Cebu. Accused in 2002 of sexually abusing more than 30 altar boys 1987-1997. In November 2011 Montenegro was apparently on leave in the U.S.
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
MSC Lawaan/Cebu City Alumni Listing, updated 10.24.2004
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, claretianpublications p.10, 11.05.11
Rev. Juan Naldoza Nacauili
Jaro archdiocese, Philippines
Fresno diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1961 for the Archdiocese of Jaro, Philippines. Incardinated into the Diocese of Fresno in 1976, having worked there since at least 1972. Returned to the Philippines in 1991 due to “poor health.” Named publicly as credibly accused by the Fresno diocese on its list in August 2021. Noted to have died in 1998.
More than 60 Valley priests ‘credibly accused’ of molestation, Sun-Gazette, 08.11.21
Diocese of Fresno List 01.17.22
Rev. Martin O’ Loghlen, SS.CC
Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Novaliches diocese, Philippines
Irish. Ordained in 1961. Worked many years in southern CA, U.S. Educator. Was the order’s Western United States Provincial 1995-2001. Accused the mid-1990s of the sexual abuse of a high school girl 1965-1968. Acknowledged the abuse in a 1996 letter to his accuser. Member of the Sexual Abuse Advisory Board of the Los Angeles archdiocese beginning in 1996. Not listed in in the Catholic Directory for 2002-2003. Pastor of a parish in Bagong Silang, Philippines 2003-2008. Named as credibly accused in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese’s 2004 report. Returned to the Provincial House in La Verne CA in 2008. Assigned in 2009 to a San Dimas CA parish; removed in 2011 after a New York Times report on the abuse. Said by a parishioner in 2024 to have been active at Holy Name of Mary Parish in San Dimas for the past decade.
BA.org Assignment Record and Supporting Documents
L.A. Times Database 04.20.06
Clerical Mendacity and the Information Age, by Leon J. Podles, Dialogue, 02.12.11
Los Angeles Archdiocese to Dismiss Priest over Admission of Molesting Girl, by Jennifer Medina, New York Times, 02.12.11
Heads Roll in L.A., California Catholic Daily, 02.14.11
Godspeed? L.A Priest Accused in 1999 of Sexual Abuse Just Removed, The Laist, 02.15.11
Statement of the Archdiocese Regarding Fr. Martin O’loghlen, The Tidings, 02.17.11
New Chapter in Church Sex Abuse Scandal Is Written in Cardinal Roger Mahony’s Final Weeks, by Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 02.20.11
Holy Name of Mary Parish, San Dimas CA, photo, Facebook, 01.23.20
Rev. Emmanuel O. Omemaga
Capiz archdiocese, Philippines
Manila archdocese, Philippines
San Diego CA diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1983. Extern priest assigned in the San Diego CA diocese beginning in 1990. Criminally charged in November 1993 with 40 counts of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, including rape, just after returning from Pope John Paul II’s Mass in Denver in August 1993. Confessed. Surrendered faculties in October 1993; fled to the Philippines. Name included on the San Diego diocese’s 2007 list of priests with credible allegations. The FBI filed a federal warrant for unlawful flight to the Philippines to avoid prosecution in 2008. Omemaga remained at large October 2024.
Priest Charged with Molesting 14-Year -Old Girl, by Dwight C. Daniels and Sandi Dolbee, San Diego Union Tribune, 11.18.93
Church Leadership on Spot As Priest in Sex Case Vanishes, by Sandi Dolbee, San Diego Union Tribune, 11.21.93
Church Held Not Liable for Molestation by Clergy Members Absent Notice, Metropolitan News Enterprise [Los Angeles, California], 03.01.96
Names of Accused San Diego Priests, Lompoc Record [San Diego CA], 03.30.07
Dallas Morning News, 06.12.02
Documents Released by San Diego Diocese, 10.25.10
Chicago Tribune, 03.11.12
Interpol Notice, opensanctions.org, 10.21.24
Rev. Prudencio Operiano
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
In June 2015 two girls, ages 15 and 17, reported to police that Operiano molested them in Barangay Poblacion, Aloguinsan town, South Cebu. The alleged abuse occurred in December 2014 at St. Raphael Archangel parish. The girls were members of the church choir. They said that on Christmas Eve Operiano asked one of them to go to his car to get some fruits. When she got to the car Operiano was there, embraced and kissed her, then asked her to follow him to his room. She had the other girl, who is her cousin, go with her; Operiano allegedly asked for a massage and touched their private parts while they were in his room. As of July 18, 2015 charges of acts of lasciviousness under a Special Child Protection Law were to be filed against the priest. Operiano was kept in ministry while the Archdiocese conducted its own investigation. Sources vary as to whether one or both of the girls were molested. No information found as to the outcome of the investigations. By at least September 2020 Operiano was in active ministry at the National Shrine of St. Joseph and remained so in December 2024.
Priest accused of molesting girls, by Apple Ta-as, Cebu Daily News, 07.18.15
Cebu church probing priest accused of child abuse, by Dale G. Israel, Rappler, 07.19.15
Church probes priest over molestation claims, by Ador Vincent S. Mayol, Cebu Daily News, 07.22.15
Catholic Priest accused of molesting two young girls, plnmedia.com, 08.09.15
On clergy sex abuse: CBCP vows to cooperate, preda.org, 02.07.16
National Shrine of St. Joseph, Facebook, 09.19.20
National Shrine of St. Joseph, Facebook, 12.24.24
Rev. Edmundo Paredes
Dallas TX diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1985. Pastor of St. Cecila’s in Oak Cliff TX for 27 years. Member of the Priest Personnel Board, per the 2009 Catholic Directory. The Diocese announced in August 2018 that Paredes was being investigated after allegations in February 2018 that he had molested three teenage boys over 10 years prior. He had been investigated in 2017 after allegations that he stole from the parish; he admitted to financial misconduct and was suspended in June 2017. He fled at that time, possibly to his native Philippines. An arrest warrant was issued in January 2019 after a fourth accuser surfaced. In May 2019 Dallas police raided diocesan headquarters and other church properties; the raid was related to the Paredes case, and four others.
Diocese of Dallas Priest Details
Priest accused of molesting teens, stealing from Oak Cliff’s St. Cecilia parish has gone missing, by Rudolph Bush and Dana Branham, Dallas Morning News, 08.19.18
Dallas Pastor Suspended By Church Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations ,CBS 11 /KTVT 08.20.18
Priest, 69, accused of molesting three teenage boys and stealing $80,000 from his church has gone missing, Daily Mail, 08.20.18
Dallas priest goes missing after ‘credible’ sexual-abuse allegations, bishop says ,WFAA-TV ,08.20.18
Vanishing Dallas priest’s alleged sex abuse leaves a church and city with questions that may never be answered, Dallas Morning News 09.02.18
The Missing Dallas Priest – Denison Forum, The Christian Mail 09.04.18
Clergy Sex Abuse News Sparking Fresh Controversies in Places like Dallas and Oklahoma City, Get Religion 09.05.18
Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Dallas Priest after New Accuser Comes Forward, Dallas Morning News 01.15.19
Diocese of Dallas List ,01.31.19
Dallas police investigating alleged sexual abuse by clergy raid Catholic diocese properties, CNN 05.15.19
How police felt stonewalled by Dallas Diocese at every turn in sex abuse investigation, Dallas Morning News 05.15.19
Police Raid Dallas Catholic Diocese Offices, Dallas Morning News, 05.15.19
Catholic Diocese of Dallas Bishop Edward Burns Issues Rebuttal Following Dallas Police Raid of Documents, CBS DFW TV 05.17.19
Rev. Theodore “Ted” Podson, S.P.
Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools (Piarists)
Buffalo NY diocese, U.S.
Philadelphia PA archdiocese, U.S.
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
American. Ordained in 1976. Working at a Philadelphia PA boys’ prep school 1993 when accused of sexually assaulting a student; quietly resigned. Name appeared on Philadelphia’s Msgr. Lynn’s 1994 list of order priests “guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor.” Treated at St. Luke Institute in Maryland. By 1995 Podson was a pastor and prison chaplain in the Amarillo TX diocese. Resigned in June 2002 at the height of clergy sex abuse publicity. By 2003 was living on a remote Philippines island, sharing an apartment with teenage boys he claimed to “mentor.” Granted Filipino citizenship 2008. His order moved him in August 2012 to a residential treatment center.
New Sex Policy, by Don Munsch, Amarillo Globe, 07.02.02
Former Bishop Defends Actions, by Don Munsch, Amarillo Globe, 07.09.02
Abuse Cases Take Toll on Amarillo Diocese, by Steve McGonigle, Dallas Morning News, 07.04.02
Amarillo Diocese Priests Resign, by Don Munsch, Amarillo Globe, 08.06.02
Priests in Flux in Panhandle, by Kay Ledbetter And Don Munsch, Amarillo Globe, 06.27.02
Devon Case Shows How Religious Orders Evade Scrutiny in Priest Abuse Cases, by John P. Martin, Philadelphia Inquirer, 08.19.12
Accused Priest Is Removed from Ministry, by John P. Martin, Philadelphia Inquirer, 09.16.12
Rev. John Steven Rabideau, O.M.V.
Saginaw MI diocese, U.S.
Springfield IL diocese, U.S.
Phillippines
Accused in 1998 of the sexual abuse while a seminarian 1985-1987 of three boys, between ages 6-14. Rabideau was studying in Boston and Rome; the abuse occurred during visits home to the Saginaw area. Assigned to a parish in the Springfield IL diocese 1990-1992. A warrant for his arrest was issued in 1998. He fled the country. Per his order, it suspended him in 1992 and dismissed him in 1997. Rabideau was an active priest in the Philippines in 2004. He was arrested in Colombia in 2006 and extradited to Michigan. He pleaded no contest to three charges; other charges were dropped. Sentenced to 5-10 years in prison on child sex abuse charges in October 2006. Included on the Saginaw diocese’s list August 9, 2019; Rabideau was prosecuted in the diocese, although he had not served there. He died May 30, 2014 at age 52 in a bicycling accident.
Assignment Record, BishopAccountability.org
Fugitive priest captured on sex charges, by Tom Krisher, Associated Press via Detroit Free Press, 02.10.06
Priest Captured in Colombia Arraigned in Michigan on Sex Charges, Associated Press via Detroit News 02.18.06
Fugitive Priest Sentenced to 5-10 Years in Child Sex Crimes, WOOD 10.25.06
Priest goes to prison, Detroit Free Press, 10.29.06
International Traffic in Catholic Priests Who Abuse, SNAP, 04.17.07
Fr. John S. Rabideau Obituary, Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Home, 05.30.14
Names of Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Diocese of Saginaw, 08.09.19
List of Priests with Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, 09.23.19
Rev. Ponciano “Pons” M. Ramos, S.V.D.
Society of the Divine Word (Verbites)
Philippines
Rockford IL diocese, U.S.
Biloxi MS diocese, U.S.
Chicago IL archdiocese, U.S.
Indianapolis IN archdiocese, U.S.
San Bernardino CA diocese, U.S.
From the Philippines. Noted by his order to have been an employee 1960-1979. Ordained in 1985. Pleaded guilty in 1993 to three misdemeanor charges of battery for strip searching and touching the genitals in 1992 of three 7th and 8th grade boys at an Indianapolis school. Ramos was the school’s director. Received an 18-month suspended sentence and 15 months of probation. Transferred to the order’s mission center in Chicago in May 1992, then to the San Bernardino CA diocese September in 1993. By 1998 he was a parish administrator. Placed on leave in April 2002 due to his abuse history. Was allowed in June 2003 to return to restricted duty. Died June 29, 2021. Per the Society of the Divine Word’s list of credibly accused in 2024, Ramos abused in the Philippines in the 1960s and in Indiana in 1992.
Priest Held on Charges He Sexually Abused 3 Boys, Chicago Tribune, 06.12.92
Religious Orders Can Hide Abuse by Priests, by Julia Lieblich and Todd Lighty, Chicago Tribune, 04.07.02
S.B. Priest Resigns after Diocese Learned He Had Molested Boys, by Matt Bender, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin [Ontario], 04.08.02
Diocese Also Misled on Yucca Valley Priest, by Joe Nelson, San Bernardino County Sun, 04.09.02
Warning about Priest Didn’t Prompt Inquiry at His New Diocese, by Nick Madigan, New York Times, 04.10.02
Priest Allowed Back to Duties, by Felisa Cardona, Daily Bulletin [San Bernardino CA], 06.07.03
US Western Province History, by Fr. Ponciano Ramos, Witnessingtotheword.com, 05.24.14
Dignity Memorial Obituary 06.29.21
Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province List, 02.26.24
Rev. Fernando Sayasaya
Fargo ND diocese, U.S.
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Studied for the priesthood in the Philippines and in Rome. Ordained in 1995 in the Fargo ND diocese. Investigated by police in 1997 after renting a hotel room with a teenage runaway boy. No charges. Accused in 1998 of sexually assaulting two boys, who were brothers, beginning in 1995. Accused in 1999 of sexually abusing a third boy. The boys were 11-16 years old. Removed in 1998. Sent to Blue Cloud Abbey in South Dakota. Fled to the Philippines. Admitted in November 2002 to an FBI agent that he sexually abused minors while studying in Rome, in ND, on trips with young people to Canada and on a trip with a boy to the Philippines. Charged in December 2002 in absentia with two counts of gross sexual imposition. Discovered in 2004 to be teaching at De La Salle University in Manila. Laicization announced in 2005. A Philippine Court of Appeals ordered him extradited to the U.S. in April 2012. Arrested November 19, 2017 in Calamba City, Laguna Province. Extradited in December 2017. Pleaded not guilty February 16, 2018. Pleaded guilty May 15, 2018 to two counts. Sentenced October 1, 2018 to 20 years in prison and required to register as a sex offender. Given credit for 360 days already spent in prison.
North Dakota Briefs, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 08.19.98
Police Looking for Former Fargo Priest, by Stephen J. Lee, Grand Forks Herald, 02.19.02
Investigation into Priest Misconduct Continues, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 03.12.02
Authorities Still Working to Bring Former Priest from Phillipines, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 06.25.03
When the Law Looks the Other Way Authorities Allow Priests Accused of Abuse to Live Abroad, by Reese Dunklin and Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News, 12.05.04
Runaway Priests Hiding in Plain Sight, Dallas Morning News, 12.05.04
Articles on Former Fargo Priest Spur Prosecutors to Meet, Grand Forks Herald, 12.09.04
Man Facing Sex Charges Banned from Priesthood, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 12.01.05
Criminal Case vs Filipino Priest Accused of Rape To Continue, Phil Star, 12.04.05
Former Fargo Priest Ordered Extradited from Philippines, by Stephen J. Lee, Grand Forks Herald, 04.03.12
Former West Fargo Priest Still on the Run, by Ashley Bishop, Valley News Live, 11.19.14
Filipino ex-priest faces US extradition on sex charges, Agence France-Presse, 11.22.17
Philippines to Extradite Ex-priest Accused of Abusing Two North Dakota Boys, by Dave Olson, Bemidji Pioneer, 11.22.17
Ex-priest Sent to US to Face Child Sexual Abuse Charges, menafn.com, 12.22.17
Accused Priest Extradited from Philippines Pleads Not Guilty, Associated Press, 02.15.18
Priest Extradited from Philippines Pleads Guilty to 2 Counts, Cache Valley Daily, 05.17.18
Former Priest Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Children in Fargo Area, In Forum 10.01.18
Rev. Joseph Skelton, Jr.
Detroit archdiocese, U.S.
Washington DC archdiocese, U.S.
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Tagbilaran diocese, Philippines
American. In 1988 Skelton, then a seminarian, pleaded guilty to abusing a 15-year-old boy in his room at St. John Provincial Seminary, in Detroit MI. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and was dismissed from seminary. He moved to the Philippines and finished his seminary studies in Manila. In 2001, Skelton was ordained for the Tagbilaran diocese, Philippines, by Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak. According to The Philippines Star in October 2009, Bishop Tumulak, who retired in 2005, said that if he had known of Skelton’s conviction he would not have ordained him. Per the Detroit Free Press in October 2009, thee Detroit archdiocese is said to have informed a Tagbilaran diocese official in 2003 of Skelton’s conviction. Skelton remained in ministry as a parish priest and musician, leading Praise and Worship gatherings throughout the Philippines. He was also active with the Singing Priests of Tagbilaran. A 2008 lawsuit in the US accused Skelton of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy in Washington DC in 1984, when Skelton was in the seminary. Skelton had been Detroit MI-based but was working at a DC parish under Rev. George Stallings, who was also accused by the boy. The lawsuit settled for $125,000. In 2010, in a response to a widely distributed AP story about Skelton, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines announced that he would be moved from his parish in a central Tagbilaran city to an undisclosed place. Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso said he would investigate but added: “What obstacle can there be if he has already served his punishment or penalty?” The Philippine Star wrote in April 2010 that Skelton’s fate was to be decided by the Vatican.
In 2012 Skelton was a featured as a performer and preacher in Catholic charismatic gatherings that include young people, as shown in a Youth for El Shaddai Bohol event. A March 2014 column published in the Philippine Star and The Freeman places Skelton as a priest with Santa Monica Church, Albuquerque, Bohol province. He was listed online as chair of the Tagbilaran diocese’s Commission for Sacred Music and as assisting resident priest at Santa Monica Parish, and at a prayer meeting of the Sacred Heart Catholic Charismatic Community in Cebu City in 2014. In July 2014 the Archdiocese of Detroit issued a statement that Skelton was currently in the Detroit area and that, while he was “in possession of a celebret from the Bishop of Tagbilaran,” he would not be granted faculties in the Archdiocese of Detroit and was prohibited there from ministry.
In October 2016 (the month Bishop Medrosa retired) the Bohol Chronicle Daily refers to Skelton as one of three “exorcist priests” sent to a high school in Sagbayan due to “bizarre behavior” by students who were said to have been possibly “possessed by spirits.”
In August 2024 Skelton is shown by Tagbilaran Bishop Abet on social media as assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Antequera, Bohol. Social media also reveals in 2024 that Skelton is involved with the Traditional Latin Mass Society of Tagbilaran.
Tagbilaran Diocese Assignment, Tagbilaran Diocese Ministries
Detroit Archdiocese: Priests and Policy Status Report, by Ned McGrath, Archdiocese of Detroit, 10.2009
Washington Archdiocese Reaches Settlement in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit, by William Wan, Washington Post, 10.14.09
Fr. Joseph Skelton’s Music, Father Joseph Skelton, Jr. Website, Downloaded 10.15.09
Archdiocese Didn’t Publicize Priest’s Abuse Cases, Group Says, by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 10.26.09
Bohol Priest Has Skeletons in His Closet, Manila Standard Today, 10.29.09
Predator Priests Shuffled around Globe, by Bradley Brooks and Alessandra Rizzo, Associated Press, 04.14.10
Old US sex scandal hounds Bohol-based American priest, GMAnetwork.com, 04.18.10
In the Philippines, Wolves Amidst the Sheep?, by Mike Aquino, filipinofreethinkers.org, 04.21.10
Sexual Abuse Hounds American Priest, by Jessica Ann R. Pareja, philstar.com, 04.21.10
Youth for El Shaddai Bohol Event, YouTube, 08.18.12
Diocese of Tagbilaran page, 2012-2013 Catholic Directory of the Philippines [Claretian Publications]
Are Bicyclists the New King of the Road?, by Bobit Avila, The Freeman, Philippine Star, 03.31.14
Statement regarding Fr. Joseph S. Skelton, Jr., Archdiocese of Detroit, 07.11.14
Church inquiry, exorcism on “possessed” Sagbayan students today, by Rey Tutas, Bohol Chronicle Daily, 10.12.16
Why No Priest is Ever Convicted of Child Sex Abuse in Philippines, by Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, 09.09.19
Bishop Abet -Diocese of Tagbilaran, Facebook, 08.10.24
Traditional Latin Mass Society of Tagbilaran, Facebook, 08.14.24
Singing Priests of Tagbilaran, alchetron.com, 09.30.24
Diocese of Tagbilaran, catholic-hierarchy.org, 01.25.25
Rev. Timothy Sugrue, S.M.
Society of Mary (Marists)
Military Services archdiocese, U.S.
Accused in a 1992 civil suit of sexually abusing a girl, age 8, and her sister in 1978 at an Air Force Base in Arkansas. Sugrue did not testify; he took the Fifth Amendment in a deposition regarding his involvement with children while working in Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, Alaska and the Philippines. He resigned from the Air Force in 1979 after an investigation into allegations. Trial in 1993 resulted in a $1.5M judgment against Sugrue, not his Order. Dismissed from the priesthood in 2005. Died in Florida August 4, 2022.
Abuse Trial: Priest Must Pay Woman, Birmingham News, 11.02.93
Woman Seeks Money from Priest’s Society, Birmingham News, 11.30.93
Marist Society Asks Court to Keep Lawyer Silent in Abuse Case, by Larry Ault, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 12.30.93
Judge Refuses to Make Church Atone for the Sins of Its Priest, by Patricia Manson, Arkansas DemocratGazette, 06.07.95
Catholic Chaplains Punished for Sexual Misconduct in Armed Forces, by Matt Kelley, Associated Press, 04.26.02
Accusations against Priests in the Military, Associated Press, 10.08.03
Findagrave, 08.04.22
Rev. Jose Superiaso
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Pasig diocese, Philippines
San Francisco CA archdiocese, U.S.
Santa Fe NM archdiocese, U.S.
From the Philippines, where he was ordained in 1985. Arrived in the U.S. in 1989 or 1990 to study at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, CA. He worked in several San Francisco parishes before being transferred to the Santa Fe NM archdiocese in 1998, where he worked with Pueblo Indians. In 2003 a young woman reported to San Francisco police that Superiaso had molested her at a Daly City parish many times in 1994 and 1995, when she was 12 and 13 years old. Superiaso was a family friend who often babysat at the family’s home. They were recent immigrants from the Philippines. Superiaso threatened to send the girl back to the Philippines if she told. In July 2003, at the request of the police, the young woman invited Superiaso to meet her in San Francisco. The police arrested him on his arrival. He pleaded innocent, and an ensuing trial ended in a hung jury. Superiaso pleaded guilty in June 2005 after investigators uncovered more evidence. He was sentenced to ten years in prison. In 2009, with the help of the Philippines’ Chief Public Attorney, Superiaso appealed to President Obama and CA Governor Schwarzenegger for a pardon. The public attorney expressed doubt about Superiaso’s guilt and said that, if released, he would be returned to ministry in the Philippines. Superiaso was eligible for parole by the end of 2013, but was released from jail in January 2012 due to time served prior to his conviction. After his release, Superiaso’s victim’s elder sister alleged publicly that Superiaso had taken advantage of her sexually in the 1990s, when she was in her 20s, after she confided in him that she had been molested as a child in the Philippines. Deportation proceedings were pending in February 2012.
Priest Arrested in Molest Case, by Jim Herron Zamora, San Francisco Chronicle , June 11, 2003
Priest Faces 25 Counts of Child Molestation, The Mercury News [California], Downloaded June 11, 2003
Former St. Francis Priest Arrested, by Erika Davila, Santa Fe New Mexican, June 12, 2003
Priest Denies Abuse Charges, Pleads Innocent in Calif. Court, Albuquerque Journal [New Mexico], August 1, 2003
Deadline Looms for Molestation Lawsuits, by Michelle Durand , San Mateo Daily Journal [California], Downloaded December 30, 2003
Priest’s Molest Case Waits for a Trial Date, by Amy Yarbrough, San Mateo County Times, San Mateo [County CA], August 24, 2004
Priest’s Trial Set to Go, by Sabrina Crawford, San Francisco Examiner, August 24, 2004
Jury Hung in Daly City Priest’s Molestation Trial, by Tim Hay, San Mateo County Times, September 18, 2004
Ex-Priest Will Be Tried on Additional Molestation Counts, By Amy Yarbrough, San Mateo County Times, October 7, 2004
Priest Convicted of Sex Abuse Won’t Return to Santa Fe, by Erika Dávila, New Mexican [New Mexico], March 12, 2006
Ex Nm & CA Pedophile Priest Wants Pardon from Obama, by Barbara Dorris, SNAP, January 28 2009
Filipino Public Defender Helps San Mateo County Priest Seek Pardon for Molesting Girl, By Elizabeth Pfeffer, San Mateo County Times, February 13, 2009
Priest Convicted of Child Molestation May Be Deported, by Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN, February 14, 2012
Convicted Predator Priest to Be Deported; SNAP Responds, by Barbara Dorris, Network of Those Abused by Priests, February 14, 2012
Pinoy Ex-priest Faces Deportation after Imprisonment for Molesting Girl in US, GMA News, February 16, 2012
Priest in US Child Sex Case to Face CBCP Court, ABS-CBNnews.com, February 16, 2012
Rev. Santiago (Henry) L. Tamayo
Neuva Segovia diocese, Philippines
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1959 in the Philippines. Assigned to the Los Angeles CA archdiocese in 1968, incardinated in 1978. Suspended in 1984 after he was accused in a lawsuit, along with six other priests, of sexually abusing a teenage girl 1978-1984. Tamayo is said to have been the first to abuse her, then introduced her to the other priests. The girl became pregnant by one of the priests (not Tamayo). She said Tamayo encouraged her to have an abortion and helped to secretly send her to the Philippines for the pregnancy and birth. The priests told her parents she was going to the Philippines to study medicine. The girl became ill, her mother discovered the truth and went to the Philippines to bring her daughter and newborn granddaughter home. After the suit was filed, many or all of the accused fled to the Philippines, supported by the Archdiocese. Tamayo acknowledged the abuse in 1991. His personnel file, released in January 2013, reveals an allegation of abuse by Tamayo of a male. Also, Los Angeles’ Cardinal Mahony advised Tamayo to avoid lawsuits by not returning to the U.S., encouraged him to continue ministry in the Philippines, and paid him a salary. Tamayo died in 1996.
Carson woman sues bishop over TV remarks, Daily Breeze, 03.09.84
L.A. Times, 08.18.02
L.A. Archdiocesan Report, 02.17.04
L.A. Archdiocese documents re Tamayo
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
RICO Complaint against L.A. Archdiocese
L.A. Archdiocesan Report Addendum ,11.15.05
The Holy See and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of the Philippines, catholicsforchoice.org, 12.2004
In Search of a Confession, by Joel Grover, KCBS, 05.03.02
Shattered Faith, by Nick Green, Daily Breeze, 12.05.07
Legal Battle Finally Ends for Victim of Priest Abuse, by Susannah Rosenblatt, Los Angeles Times, 12.05.07
Woman Molested by Pinoy Priest Receives $500,000 Settlement, by Katrina Romero, Balita, 12.17.07
4 of 30 Abusive Catholic Priests are Pinoys, Sun Star, 04.17.10
Priestly Sexual Abuse, Churchly Coverups, by Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 01.22.13
Father Santiago Tamayo One of a Group of Priests That Assaulted Teen Girl, by Tracy Manzer and Dana Bartholomew, Sgvtribune.com, 01.26.13
Tamayo File, L.A. Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Alleged Priest Abuse Victim Speaks Out, by Dawn Megli, Annenberg TV News, 03.01.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Rev. Albert Tanghal Rimando
Chicago IL archdiocese
Manila archdiocese, Philippines
Ordained in 1991. Assigned to the Chicago IL archdiocese. Requested a leave of absence in autumn 1999. He was to return in early 2000 but did not show up, per the archdiocese. The Chicago Sun-Times reported in December 2003 that Tanghal Rimando was a parish priest of the Malate Catholic Church in Manila when he was recently killed in his home by suspected robbers. Included in the Chicago archdiocese’s March 2006 report of those with substantiated allegations against them of sexual misconduct with minors.
Chicago Archdiocesan Report, 03.20.06
BA.org Assignment Record
Former Chicago Priest Slain in Philippines, by Lucio Guerrero, Chicago Sun Times, 12.05.03
Cardinal: I Should’ve Done More, by Cathleen Falsani, Chicago Sun Times, 03.21.06
Audit Says Archdiocese Botched Abuse Inquiry, by Manya A. Brachear and Margaret Ramirez, Chicago Tribune, 03.21.06
Dead Filipino Priest Named in Chicago Sex Abuse, by Ted Regencia, Philippine News, 03.29.06
Rev. Gerardo Jarencio Tanilong
Orange CA diocese, U.S.
Ordained in 1962. Monsignor. Arrived in the Orange CA diocese from the Philippines in 1986; incardinated in 1990. Arrested in July 2003 for the recent sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Anaheim CA. Placed on leave. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to six months in jail and three years probation. Ordered to register as a sex offender. Privileges permanently suspended by the Diocese in 2004. The Diocese’s list in August 2016 shows Tanilong to be deceased.
Orange County || Priest Jailed After Molest Report, by David Haldane, Los Angeles Times, 07.15.03
Veteran Priest Arrested, by Eric Carpenter and Eleeza V. Agopian, Orange County Register, 07.15. 03
Priest Arraignment, City News Service, 08.12.03
Priest Ordered to Stand Trial on Lewd Act Charges in Fullerton, Associated Press State & Local Wire, 11.13.03
The Region || O.C. Cleric Admits Lewd Act on Girl, Is Removed from Priesthood, by Claire Luna, Los Angeles Times, 01.31.04
6 Months in Jail for Ex O.C. Priest, by Claire Luna, Los Angeles Times, 04.03.04
Judge Denies Former Priest’s Request to Serve Sentence at Home, State and Regional, 06.05.04
Assignment Records OC Weekly, 03.04.05
California Sex Offender Archive Record For Gerardo J. Tanilong accessed 01.02.15
Diocese of Orange List 08.06.12
Rev. Valentine Tugade
Los Angeles CA archdiocese, U.S.
Extern priest from the Philippines working in the Los Angeles CA archdiocese in 1984 when accused in a lawsuit, along with six other priests, of sexually abusing a teenage girl from the late-1970s to the early-1980s. The girl became pregnant. The priests secreted her out of the U.S. to the Philippines for the pregnancy and birth. With help from archdiocese, Tugade and the other priests fled to the Philippines after the lawsuit was filed. A DNA test in 2003 proved that Tugade was the father. Tugade was living in Fremont CA in 2002.
Carson woman sues bishop over TV remarks, Daily Breeze, 03.09.84
Milla v. Tamayo, 187 Cal.App.3d 1453, 03.04.87
L.A. Times Database,04.20.06
Settlement to Be Discussed in Priest Abuse Case, Associated Press, 12.04.07
U.S. Woman Awarded $500,000 in Church Abuse Case, Associated Press, 12.05.07
Legal Battle Finally Ends for Victim of Priest Abuse, by Susannah Rosenblatt, Los Angeles Times, 12.05.07
Woman Molested by Pinoy Priest Receives $500,000 Settlement, by Katrina Romero, Balita, 12.17.07
Father Santiago Tamayo One of a Group of Priests That Assaulted Teen Girl, by Tracy Manzer and Dana Bartholomew, Sgvtribune.com, 01.26.13
Tamayo File, L.A. Archdiocese, released 01.31.13
Sex Crime Records Involving Pinoy Priests Released, by Opaw Nako, Filipinos Abroad, 02.02.13
Most notorious Catholic priests in Philippine history, by Margaux Torres, KAMI, 07.31.16
Unnamed Priest #2
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
Accused in July 2010 of the sexual abuse of female Catholic school students in the Cebu archdiocese. The priest is said to have touched a girl’s bra strap during confession. The Archbishop ordered an investigation.
Priest accused of ‘touching’ female student, by Justin K. Vestil, Sun Star, 07.29.10
Rev. Serlito Villar
Cebu archdiocese, Philippines
According to Fr. Shay Cullen of the Preda Foundation in November 2024 and per an April 2024 legal document, Villar was indicted on 5 counts of rape with sexual assault and one count of lascivious conduct toward a boy, age 11-12, over a two-year period. The assaults allegedly took place between February 12, 2022 and April 27, 2023, before and after masses in the rectory of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Polbacion, Alegria, Cebu; at St. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Matutinao, Badian, Cebu; at Cuestas Resort in Malabago, Badian, Cebu, and at a hotel in Cebu City. Villar allegedly threatened to have the boy removed from school and to ensure he lost his scholarship if he told. He also allegedly gave the boy money or a gift after each incident. The boy is said to have told fellow church choir members of the abuse and another priest was informed. That priest spoke with the boy’s grandmother after which a police report was filed. A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for April 2025. In January 2025 Villar is free on bail. He denied the charges.
Joint Resolution E.P.P. vs. Serlito Vilar aka “Father Tox”aka “Dipon Basodac” aka “Dipon Basodacs”, Cebu City Prosecutor, 04.03.24
Child abuse committed by priests, abetted by corporates, goes unpunished, by Fr. Shay Cullen, Predo Foundation, 11.14.24
The successes and failures of the Philippine courts and police, by Fr. Shay Cullen, Philippine Daily Mirror, 12.03.24
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