A priest has been accused of molesting a four-year-old daycare student in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental province.
The child’s parents yesterday filed a complaint against the priest, identified by various media as Father Aaron Buenacosa.
In a phone interview with Coconuts Manila, Cadiz Chief of Police Major Robert Mansueto said the alleged crime happened multiple times but the victim could only recall it occurring on Feb. 8. This was when the suspect allegedly molested her at the convent located near St. Joseph Parish Church in the village of Caduha-an, where the priest was assigned.
The victim said the priest allegedly touched her genitals and kissed her during the instances that they were together.
According to Mansueto, the priest allegedly liked spending time with the child and would often ask for her mother’s permission to be with her. The mother worked as the church’s secretary and didn’t think twice of letting her daughter spend time with the suspect because she trusted him.
Mansueto added that a medical examination showed that while there were no lacerations or abnormal discharges in the victim’s genitals, there was a slight gaping.
The mother noticed that something was amiss after her child one day refused to go to the church with her, reported Rappler. The child then told her mother about the alleged molestation.
Buenacosa was charged for allegedly violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act at the Cadiz City Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect, however, has denied committing the crime but said that he also wants to hear the side of the alleged victims’ parents, reported ABS-CBN News.
The Diocese of San Carlos, which has authority over St. Joseph Parish, has already relieved Buenacosa of his duties, the same media reported.
In an interview with television show TV Patrol Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, the head of the diocese, said they will cooperate with the authorities in their investigation of the alleged crime.
He said: “We would like to commit ourselves to commit (sic) in all the processes that are necessary so that truth and justice will prevail regarding this alleged accusation that concerns our priest.”
The parents meanwhile said they will ask for the help of President Rodrigo Duterte, a vocal critic of the Catholic Church, to ensure that the suspect will be punished.
This news comes as the Vatican continues to be hounded by sexual abuse scandals, including one involving its treasurer Cardinal George Pell who was recently found guilty of multiple historical child sex offenses.
