Priest charged with rape, child abuse

BUTUAN CITY ,Philippines – Two counts of rape and child abuse and acts of lasciviousness charges were filed Thursday before the Agusan del Norte provincial prosecutor’s office against former Tubay, Agusan del Norte parish priest Raul Cabonce.

In a four-page complaint affidavit filed by a female victim, she claimed she was still a minor when Cabonce allegedly committed acts of lasciviousness against her at the St. Anne Parish convent last year.

The victim also alleged that the priest raped her twice inside his room, sometime in February and March.

The victim was accompanied by her parents, some relatives, members of the Missionary of Sisters of Mary and Gabriela chairperson for Caraga region Atel Hijos, when she filed the complaint.            

Hijos said former Surigao City mayor Alfonso Casurra has offered his services as legal counsel for the victim.

“We thank the former Surigao City mayor who agreed to serve as legal counsel pro bono for the poor victim considering that the family could not afford, including Gabriela in hiring topnotch lawyer like him to help us seek justice of the poor victim,” Hijos said.

Lina Lanaban, Gabriela secretary-general meanwhile urged the Catholic church to investigate the incident and file charges against the priest should they find enough evidence. – With Rhodina Villanueva