Priest rues expulsion notice was made on social media

The priest from Eastern Samar recently expelled allegedly for sexual abuse of minors lamented knowing about his defrocking through the social media instead of formally receiving the order.

Father Pio Cultura Aclon of the Diocese of Borongan said the act violated his canonical and civil rights, according to a "24 Oras" report by Cedric Castillo.

In a social media post that is no longer visible to the public, Aclon looked for a copy of Pope Francis' letter to the Diocese of Borongan expelling him.

Former Sandiganbayan Justice Harriet Demetriou, his legal counsel, also requested the media to furnish their camp a copy of the proof of Aclon's expulsion.

She said the priest should have gotten a copy of the order before it was made public.

On Sunday, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that Pope Francis has dismissed a priest based in Borongan, Eastern Samar.

The CBCP said the priest last served at a minor seminary in the city before the diocese suspended him from his clerical duties.

The Diocese of Borongan released on Sunday the Informationis Causa on Aclon’s dismissal. It was signed by chancellor Fr. James Abella dated July 18.

The information did not detail the reason for the dismissal, but based on the CBCP News, Aclon was defrocked for alleged sexual abuse of minors.

Pope Francis has repeatedly asked for forgiveness over cases of abuse by priests, and vowed justice for the victims.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the CBCP and to the Diocese of Borongan for their side.—LDF, GMA Integrated News