A priest in Bacolod City was arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl.
Reported in Unang Balita this Thursday, also based on the report of GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, the crime allegedly occurred in Barangay Estefania of the city.
In the preliminary investigation by the police, the 17-year-old female victim filed a complaint last year after being allegedly raped inside the church convent in Sagay City where the suspect was previously stationed.
The priest is currently detained at the Sagay City Police Station and has not yet given a statement.
In a statement released by the Diocese of San Carlos, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said that they would not allow such activities.
The diocese is also ready to help in the investigation.
All of the priest’s pastoral duties are suspended while the investigation into the complaint against him continues.
Pastor arrested for lascivious acts complaints
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) Oplan Pagtugis arrested on Monday night in Brgy. Bagong Sikat a 54-year-old pastor, for lascivious acts complaints.
Pastor Romeo Nuñez, a resident of Kalikasan Homes on Wescom Road, Brgy. San Miguel was apprehended around 9:50 p.m. in Liberty, Brgy. Bagong Sikat on March 27. P/Maj. Joseph Severino of CIDG led the operation to serve the warrant for his arrest issued by Judge Enrique Selda of Branch 3 of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Fourth Judicial Region dated March 23, 2023.
The court recommended bail of P36,000 for his temporary liberty while his case for violating Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code is being heard.
Nuñez, a senior pastor of Jesus Christ The River of Life Church, was a mayoral candidate in Puerto Princesa City during the 2022 national and local elections.
Others of the pastor’s followers spoke in favor of him, claiming that it was inappropriate to judge a religious figure.
“Hindi natin alam ang buong istorya kung anong totoo. Huwag tayong manghusga kung di pa napapatunayan,” netizen Ronie said.
“Kung sino wala kasalanan sa Inyo batuhin niyo po siya..remember po individual tayong hahatulan kaya wagmo hatulan ang sinuman kung ayaw mong ang mismong panghatol mo ang gamitin panghatol sayo. We know nothing only God knows.” netizen Lloyd commented.
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