Priest in Bacolod City Arrested for Harassing 17-year-old Girl

Priest Arrested for Harassing a 17-year-old Girl in Bacolod City

Police authorities arrested a priest after being accused of harassing a 17-year-old girl in Bacolod City.

The authorities arrested a 62-year-old priest on the accusation of harassment against a juvenile girl. Father Conrad Mantac of the San Carlos Diocese was identified as the arrested suspect.

According to the article, Mantac’s case began in 2022 when a 17-year-old choir girl complained about r4pe within the church. The alleged encounter occurred in Sagay City, where the priest was posted.

Mantac was allocated to the Most Holy Rosary Parish in the Sagay village of Paraiso. On March 7, the priest from Barangay Balatocan, Municipality of Looc, Romblon, was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by Executive Judge Reginald Fuentebella of the Sagay Regional Trial Court Branch 73, based on the report.

When the Diocese of San Carlos received the complaint in December, Mantac was suspended indefinitely, according to San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza. According to a statement made by Alminaza, Mantac has been suspended while the case is being investigated. In a letter uploaded on social media, the bishop stated that the priest’s detention “paints me and the entire Diocese of San Carlos.”

“In our diocese, we have been consistent in our teachings and advocacy against any form of sexual abuse of children, women, and vulnerable persons, and such crimes committed by any person, and especially priests or religious cannot be tolerated. This is a grave crime which contradicts the office of the priesthood,” the prelate said.

“As the case proceeds, I humbly ask everyone to keep their judgments as we await the proper disposition of the court. I implore you to pray for Fr. Mantac and the alleged victim, as well as to show them care,” he added.

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