Former Simala monk sued for theft

CEBU, Philippines - The Marian Monks of the Eucharistic Adoration represented by their Superior Abelio Mangila, who is also known as Frater Martin Mary, has filed charges of theft against a former monk aspirant who allegedly stole their monthly marketing budget two years ago.

Mangila, in his affidavit, said that last November 18, 2007, he went to the novitiate house to look for Venancio Cabillon also known as Frater Paul Mary who was then the novice master or the formator of the novitiate house to hand over the monthly marketing budget in the amount of P10,000.

Because Cabillon was not around, he left the money with Frater Adrian Mary and told him that he placed it on top of the refectory table as he has to hear a Mass at the monastery.

Mangila said Frater Adrian Mary told him that one of the aspirants, Kalven Torres took the money.

He called the attention of Cabillon who immediately investigated the matter in the hope of recovering the money from Torres.

After the Mass, Mangila said he went to Cabillon who was in Torres’ room and saw him in the act of laying the items that he found inside the bag of Torres, including the wallet containing the amount that he left on the refectory table.

Because of the incident Cabillon informed him that he would send Torres home because he was not fit to be in the monastery.

In the afternoon of that same day Torres was immediately sent out of the monastery by Cabillon.

Kalven Torres was also the aspirant who confirmed the alleged anomalous practices inside the monastery as claimed by Cabillon. 

Earlier this year Cabillon caused a stir after he accused the shrine, which is based in Simala, Sibonga town, of alleged corruption and indecent and immoral practices. — Jasmin R. Uy/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)