Antipolo diocese 'looking into' arrest of priest caught with 13-yr-old girl

The Diocese of Antipolo in Rizal on Sunday said it is "looking into" the arrest of a priest, who was caught with a 13-year-old girl while while on his way to a motel in Marikina City.

"The Dioecese of Antipolo is looking into the matter involving the arrest of Msgr. Arnel F. Lagarejos as allegedly identified as a suspect in [an] entrapment operation in Marikina City," the diocese said in a statement.

It asked the public to "refrain from issuing unnecessary comments that might worsen the situation."

Lagarejos was arrested on Friday night while in the company of the girl, who was allegedly pimped out by a 16-year-old friend.

The alleged pimp was also arrested by the police.

The entrapment operation was set by the Marikina City Police's Women and Children Protection Desk based on a complaint by the girl's mother.

Lagarejos is facing a complaint of violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. —report from Jamie Santos/ALG, GMA News