• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Roman Catholic priest, who was arrested for rape charges, has been suspended from pastoral duties, while the Diocese of San Carlos also investigates the allegations against him, disclosed Bishop Gerardo Alminaza.
Fr. Conrado Mantac, 62, is currently under police custody after he was apprehended by the police on March 27 in Brgy. Estefania, Bacolod City, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Sagay Regional Trial Court Judge Reginald Fuentebella, for the crime of rape.
According to the police, Mantac, known as Father Con, of Looc, Romblon, was denied bail by Judge Fuentebella.
In a statement, Bishop Alminaza said the recent news on the accusation of alleged rape leading to the arrest of Fr. Mantac “pains me and the whole Diocese of San Carlos.”
In our Diocese, we have been consistent in our teachings and advocacy against any form of sexual abuse of children, women and vulnerable persons, and such crimes committed by any person, and especially priests, or religious, cannot be tolerated, Alminaza said.
This a grave crime which contradicts the office of the priesthood, the bishop stressed.
Fr. Mantac was assigned to the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Barangay Paraiso, Sagay City. He was accused of allegedly molesting a 17-year-old choir member last year, in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
Alminaza assured the authorities of his utmost cooperation, and to properly observe the legal process of the judicial system, in order for the truth to come out, and for justice to be served accordingly.
The Diocese would like to assure the alleged victim and her family of support and protection, and is committed to provide the needed information openly and honestly to the public, without reservations, the bishop also stressed.
“I also take confidence in the words of Fr. Mantac that he will face the allegations filed against him, as we recognize his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Alminaza said.
At the same time, the bishop said they are also supporting his efforts to establish his innocence in court.
Alminaza also asked everyone to keep their judgement and to wait the proper disposition of the case in court.*
