Father Conrado Mantac, a 62-year-old priest, has been arrested on charges of raping a minor. The case was brought to trial under a court order by the Sagay Regional Trial Court in the Negros Occidental area of the Philippines. The Diocese of San Carlos in Iloilo has assured the authorities that it will fully cooperate and follow the legal process. San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza stated in a recent press release that he felt deep remorse for the alleged victims and their families and would provide support and assistance wherever necessary. The church has suspended the activities of the accused priest pending an investigation, and will also begin its own canonical process. Canon Law stipulates that a cleric found guilty of “forcing someone to perform or submit to sexual acts” will be punished severely, even with the dismissal from clerical rank if the case so requires. However, Father Mantac has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the church will support him in his efforts to establish his innocence in court.
