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Priest in sex abuse case to face charges: Pampanga archdiocese
“I continue to appeal to the better judgment of all. I admonish you to pray and care for both Fr. Baul and the alleged victim,” he said.
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MANILA — The Archdiocese of San Fernando does not know the whereabouts of the priest who is accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl.
Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, however, said he believes that Fr.
Daniel Baul will face the charge against him.
“During the filing of the complaint before the Prosecutor’s Office and at the inception of the Ecclesiastical Investigation, Fr. Daniel A. Baul assured me that he will squarely face the matter before the proper fora,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.
“Unfortunately, at this stage of the case, his whereabouts are not known to me. I trust his word previously given to me that he will not evade the case, and will, in due time, appear in court to support his claim of innocence,” Lavarias added.
The head of the Pampanga archdiocese reiterated that they will coordinate with the authorities.
“The Archdiocese wishes to assure everyone concerned that it has all the intention to cooperate with the civil authorities and to respect the legal process of our judicial system,” Lavarias said.
“Meantime, the civil authorities may rest assured that the Archdiocese will not keep Fr.
Baul from the reach of the law,” he said.
The Pampanga archbishop appealed to the public not to judge the priest and pray for all the parties concerned including Baul.
“I continue to appeal to the better judgment of all. I admonish you to pray and care for both Fr. Baul and the alleged victim,” he said.
“In our common desire to search for trust and justice, let our passion be tempered by prudence, decency, and respect. Pray also got the authorities, the lawyers, the guardians, and all parties concerned, including myself, that we may dispense our duties with all honesty and truthfulness,” Lavarias said.
A formal complaint was lodged by the alleged victim against Baul, who has been since relieved of his duties.
