San Carlos diocese: Two accused priests still on administrative leave
The Diocese of San Carlos on Thursday said two of its priests that were accused of child sexual abuse remain on administrative leave and are not engaging in any ministerial duties.
The San Carlos diocese made the statement after a US-based watchdog BishopAccountability.org launched a database identifying 89 Catholic clergymen who have been accused of sexual abuse of minors in cases relating to the Philippines.
“It is important to note that these cases are still under ecclesiastical review by our Diocesan Safeguarding Office, and the Diocese is steadfastly committed to cooperating with civil authorities and the Philippine Courts to ensure a fair and just process,” San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminazan said in a statement posted by CBCP News.
“Both institutional processes (legal and ecclesiastical) are being carried out to protect the victims and implement proper disciplinary sanctions with the accused,” it added.
The San Carlos diocese explained that the accused priests are within the diocese "because our church institution is committed to properly monitoring and assuring that no one escapes accountability to legal and ecclesiastical sanctions.”
It also said the participation of the two priests as co-celebrants of a Mass "does not equate to active pastoral ministry” as they remain under administrative leave.
“We want to reassure the faithful that, contrary to what is alleged, the Church is following the established protocols for the protection of minors, upholding due process for the accused, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims,” the San Carlos diocese said.
It also urged the public to report abuse cases to the diocese through +639939376065 or efarbro1278@gmail.com.
In a separate statement, the Archdiocese of Cebu said three accused priest under it have been reintegrated into ministry work after civil and Church authorities determined their return. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News