SAN Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza has suspended Fr. Conrado Mantac from his pastoral duties after he was charged with the alleged rape of a 17-year-old choir girl in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
In a statement, Alminaza said Mantac, the parish priest of Sto. Rosario Parish, will be suspended and will face the judicial process of the Church.
“For the meantime, we suspend all ministries with regard to his pastoral duties in the Diocese,” said Alminaza. “The Church will also proceed with its own canonical process accordingly.”
Last Monday night, Mantac, 62, was arrested by the Sagay City police after he was charged with rape. He is under the custody of the Sagay City police station with no bail bond recommended.
Alminaza said the Diocese of San Carlos will fully cooperate in the legal process.
“As the Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos, I sincerely convey my utmost assurance to fully cooperate with the civil authorities and to properly observe the legal process of our judicial system for the truth to come out and for justice to be served accordingly,” said Alminaza.
“Together with the whole Diocese, we commit to provide the needed information openly and honestly to the public without reservations,” he added.
The bishop said their commitment to cooperate does not mean they will not support Mantac in his legal battle.
“We recognize his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and, thus, support him in his efforts to establish his innocence in court,” said Alminaza.
“While Fr. Mantac faces the crime of rape and of the pending preliminary investigation, we still assume our responsibility of the accused,” he added.
Alminaza said they intend to adhere to the provisions of the “Vademecum on Certain Points of Procedure in Treating Cases of Sexual Abuse of Minors Committed by Clerics.”
“The Diocese would like to assure the alleged victim and her family of support and protection,” he said.
“I deeply feel the suffering of the victim and her family and entrust her to the rightful agency, which can provide proper care and assistance,” added the bishop.
Alminaza also appealed to the public to withhold making any judgements against any of the parties involved until the case has been resolved.
“I humbly ask everyone to keep their judgments as we await the proper disposition by the court,” he said. “May we be able to balance our zeal in the pursuit of justice and truth with caution, decency, and respect.”
