DOJ indicts parish priest for rape

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the indictment of a parish priest based in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley for allegedly molesting a junior college student.

In a five-page resolution signed by Justice Undersecretary Leah Tanodra-Armamento, the DOJ ordered the provincial prosecutor of Compostela Valley to file the information for the crime of rape against Fr. Melvin de la Cuesta.

Records show that the victim, a 21-year-old third-year BS Office Administration student, met De la Cuesta when she worked as part-time clerk at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Nabunturan town.

On July 23, 2006, the priest allegedly called the victim to tell her to wait for him at the convent. While waiting for him, she fell asleep with one Nanay Tecing in the priest’s room.

The complainant alleged that De la Cuesta later arrived and told her to massage his chest. To her surprise, he unlocked her bra, pulled down her skirt and kissed her breast.

She said she tried to resist but he was too strong and in due course allegedly raped her.