Pastor arrested for 12 counts of statutory rape in Pasig City

A 39-year-old pastor was arrested in Pasig City for 12 counts of statutory rape he allegedly committed against a member of his church.

In an exclusive “24 Oras” report by Emil Sumangil on Tuesday, investigation by the Pasig City Police showed that the suspect was taking advantage of an underage girl who belonged to the music ministry of their religious group.

“Itong biktima na ito, member ng choir ng kanilang sekta at tuwing Sabado… every after ‘yung practice ng choir na ‘to ay dun nangyayari ang rape… sa loob ng kanilang simbahan,” Pasig Police Chief P/Col. Hendrix Mangaldan said.

(This victim is a choir member of their sect, and every Saturday, right after their choir practice, the rape would occur... right inside their church.)

The victim’s father, also a church member, filed against the suspect..

“Sa cellphone ng biktima, nakita dun ‘yung mga palitan ng sweet and loving messages,” Mangaldan said.

(On the victim’s cellphone, we found an exchange of sweet and affectionate messages [with suspect].)

Police said it was the victim’s older sister who first discovered the secret relationship between the victim and the suspect. The older sister reportedly told the victim to stay away.

In an interview with GMA News, the suspect denied the allegations: “Wala po itong katotohanan, 'yung mga akusasyon sa akin.”

(There is no truth in any of their accusations against me.)

The pastor likewise denied that the alleged crime was committed inside the church premises.

“'Yung isang pintuan doon, diretso ‘yun sa palengke… pwede siya sumigaw dun kung totoo ang sinasabi niya marahil dahil naging close kami, or magkakilala kami,” the suspect said.

(One of the doors there leads directly to the market... she could have easily screamed if what she was saying was true, but maybe [this happened] because we became close, or we knew each other.)

“Sa totoo lang po ‘yung sinasabi nila na hustisya na kanila pong hinahanap, hindi ko po alam kung bakit at kung saan. Hindi ito totoo,” he added.

(Regarding the justice they claim to be seeking, I don't know why or where it is coming from. None of this is true.)

Authorities reminded parents and guardians to maintain open communication with their children to encourage them to confidently share any problems they are experiencing. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News