A Filipino priest has been charged with rape for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl in Cadiz City in Negros Occidental province in the Philippines.
Chief Inspector Mansueto, the police chief in Cadiz, said the parents of the victim accused Aaron Buenacosa, 41, a priest at St Joseph Parish Church in Barangay Caduha-an, of molesting their daughter, CNN Philippines reported.
Mansueto said the victim had been allegedly been molested by the priest on several occasions. Buenacosa had allegedly kissed the victim and touched her genitals and the recent incident happened on February 8 in the church bathroom.
The victim is a day-care student whose mother works as a secretary for the church. Mansueto said a medication examination indicated that the girl’s accusations may be true.
On Wednesday, the priest was charged with rape before the Cadiz City Prosecutor’s Office for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said in a statement that they were saddened and shocked with the alleged incident, which Buenacosa has denied.
“He himself was shocked to be accused of such action and he is willing to face the allegation to prove his innocence. We are committed to assist and cooperate in the process so the truth will come out and justice is served,” Alminaza said.