Cabillon witness vs. Simala withdraws

CEBU, Philippines - One of the witnesses on the alleged “lewd acts” and anomalous practices at the Simala shrine will no longer testify against the monks at the shrine, but former monk Venancio Cabillon said this development will not affect the complaint. 

Cabillon himself said that his supposed witness, Calven Torres, an aspiring monk, expressed to withdraw his testimony following the complaint for theft filed against him by the Marian monks of the Eucharistic Adoration represented by Superior Abelio Mangila, also known as Frater Martin Mary.

Torres’ testimony was supposed to support Cabillon’s answer to the acts of lasciviousness case he is facing to prove that he did not sexually harass aspiring monks.

Mangila had accused Torres of stealing the monthly budget for supplies for the shrine two years ago.

In his affidavit, Mangila said that last November 18, 2007, he went to the novitiate house to look for Cabillon also known as Frater Paul Mary to hand over the monthly budget P10,000. Cabillon served as novice master or formator of the novitiate house at that time.

Because Cabillon was not around and he had a mass to celebrate, Mangila said he left the money with Frater Adrian Mary and told the latter to place the money on top of the refectory table.

However, Frater Adrian told him later that Torres allegedly took the money.

Mangila said he immediately called Cabillon’s attention who, in turn, looked into the allegations.

He said that after the mass, he went to Torres’ room wherein he saw Cabillon laying on the bed several things from Torres’ bag, including a wallet that contained the money in question. 

Mangila said Cabillon reportedly informed him that he would send Torres home because the latter was “not fit” to be in the monastery. Afternoon on the same day, Cabillon sent Torres out.

But when asked about the accusations, Cabillon did not confirm Torres’ involvement. He said he saw money from Torres’ bag, but it was reportedly worth only P6,500. He said he took Torres’ things from the bag because it was customary to inspect the bags of those leaving the monastery. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (THE FREEMAN)