SAN Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias on Thursday warned the faithful about the reported presence in the country of a Spanish priest accused of abusing minors overseas.
In his Circular Letter No. 38-2020, Lavarias said he has received information from Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra Archbishop Bernardito Auza that Fr. José Maximiano Campos Ruiz is believed to be currently in the Philippines.
“There are reasons to worry on his presence in our country given the serious accusations against him of abuse of minors,” said Lavarias.
The prelate called on the faithful to report pertinent information on the possible whereabouts of Ruiz to the Archdiocese of San Fernando.
Lavarias said this is also in accordance with the request of Auza for any information leading to the whereabouts of Ruiz.
In a related development, the Diocese of Malaybalay (Bukidnon) has ordered the creation of an Office for the Reception of Reports Pertaining to the Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults.
In a decree issued on Wednesday, Malaybalay Bishop Jose Cabantan designated Fr. Neil Joy Molion as director of the newly-established office.
“This is to provide the public, stable, and easily accessible system for the submission of reports on sexual misconducts of clerics and religious, and cover-ups by bishops,” said Cabantan.
Among the crimes that can be reported to the new office are forcing someone, by violence or threat or through abuse of authority, to perform or submit to sexual acts; performing sexual acts with a minor or a vulnerable person; and the production, exhibition, possession, or distribution, including by electronic means, of child pornography, as well as by the recruitment of or inducement of a minor or a vulnerable person to participate in pornographic exhibitions.
Cabantan said the creation of the office will be announced in all parishes, Catholic schools, institutions, apostolates, and ministries.
