BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental vowed to cooperate with the authorities after policemen served an arrest warrant against Fr. Conrado Mantac who was charged with rape.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said the diocese has been consistent in its teachings and advocacy against any form of sexual abuse of children, women and vulnerable persons.
“This is a grave crime which contradicts the office of the priesthood,” Alminaza said.
The bishop stressed they will observe the legal process of the judicial system for truth to come out and for justice to be served.
Alminaza also assured the alleged victim and her family of support and protection, and will follow what was stipulated in the Vademecum on Certain Points of Procedure in Treating Cases of Sexual Abuse of Minors Committed by Clerics issued by the Vatican on June 5, 2022.
According to the stipulation, the alleged victim and her family will be treated with dignity and respect, and must offer them welcome, hearing and support, also through dedicated services, as well as spiritual, medical and psychological help, as required by the specific case.
Meanwhile, the bishop said he takes confidence over Mantac’s word that he will face the allegations filed against him.
“We recognize his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and thus support him in his efforts to establish his innocence in court,” Alminaza said.
However, the priest’s pastoral duties in the diocese have been temporarily suspended and Alminaza said the church will proceed with its own canonical process accordingly.
“As the case proceeds, I humbly ask everyone to keep their judgments as we await proper disposition by the court. I implore you to pray for Fr. Mantac and the alleged victim, as well as to show them care. May we be able to balance our zeal in the pursuit of justice and truth with caution, decency and respect,” Alminaza added.
On Monday night, March 27, Sagay City police served an arrest warrant against Mantac in Camelot Subdivision, Barangay Estefania in this city.
The Sagay City police said the arrest warrant for rape was issued by Judge Reginald Fuentebella of the Sagay City Regional Trial Court – Branch 73.
The priest is now in the custody of the Sagay City police station. No bail bond was recommended for his temporary liberty./PN
