Pampanga archdiocese cooperates on priest’s sex abuse case

“As a matter of protocol, the accused, though innocent until proven guilty, has been relieved from his assignment,” Lavarias said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Monday. (File Photo By User:Patrickroque01 – Taken using my own camera with model DSC-HX5V, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — The Archdiocese of San Fernando is cooperating with authorities investigating the sexual abuse case against a Catholic priest in Pampanga.

Archbishop Florencio Lavarias said they would exert all efforts “so that truth and justice may be served for both parties”.

He added that Fr. Daniel Baul, a priest of the archdiocese, has been relieved of his duties.

“As a matter of protocol, the accused, though innocent until proven guilty, has been relieved from his assignment,” Lavarias said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Monday.

“Ecclesiastical investigation is ongoing,” the Catholic prelate added.

A warrant of arrest was issued against the priest after a 17-year-old girl filed a complaint with authorities.

The alleged abuse happened at a church-based center for women and children in Pampanga.

Lavarias noted that pastoral care is being extended to the alleged victim.

The head of the Pampanga Archdiocese also asked the people to join them in praying for the immediate resolution of the case.

“Kindly join us in praying to God for the immediate resolution of the case,” he added.