Priest nabbed in Bacolod City for alleged rape of 17-year-old

Authorities arrested a priest in Bacolod City for the alleged rape of a minor, according to a report on “Saksi” on Wednesday.

An initial investigation on the case showed that Father Conrad Mantac reportedly assaulted a 17-year-old girl inside a church convent in 2022.

GMA Integrated News reached out to Mantac for a comment but has yet to respond.

The Diocese of San Carlos said it suspended the priest's pastoral duties and vowed to coordinate with the investigation and the protection of the victim.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said, in a letter posted in social media, said the arrest of the priest "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. This is a grave crime which contradicts the office of the priesthood," the prelate said.

Bishop Alminaza also said that the diocese will proceed with its own canonical process.

"As the case proceeds, I humbly ask everyone to keep their judgments as we await the proper disposition of the court. I implore you to pray for Fr. Mantac and the alleged victim, as well as to show them care," he added. -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News