In an official statement, the Diocese of Antipolo emphasized that it “respects the necessary procedures as provided by law in order to further investigate this matter.” (www.dioceseofantipolo.org)
ANTIPOLO City (UPDATED) – Antipolo Bishop Francis M. De Leon has relieved Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos from all of his positions in the diocese. Prior to a recent alleged incident of trafficking in persons, he has been serving as president of Cainta Catholic College and parish priest of the Parish of St. John the Baptist in Taytay, Rizal.
Official Statement released by Diocese of Antipolo on Msgr. Lagarejos case.
Information from the Public Information Office of the Eastern Police District (PIO-EPD) states that a 16-year-old gay minor allegedly pimped the 13-year-old girl to Msgr. Lagarejos.
The three agreed to meet at the Blue Wave Mall in Marikina City on July 28, 2017. At about 6:30 on that evening, shortly after the transaction was made, “When the vehicle sped off for few meters on (its) way to an unknown motel, they were blocked by intel operatives.” The said vehicle is where Msgr. Lagarejos and the girl are boarding. Thus, the arrest happened. The mobile phone containing SMS transactions and the vehicle were confiscated as pieces of evidence – both owned by Msgr. Lagarejos.
The involved minors are now under the custody of the DSWD, while Msgr. Lagarejos is being detained by police authorities and facing possible criminal violations.
In an official statement, the Diocese of Antipolo emphasized that it “respects the necessary procedures as provided by law in order to further investigate this matter.”
Thus, the diocese requests for the people to “refrain from issuing unnecessary comments that might worsen the situation.” And instead, it appeals “for all the faithful to pray that the truth may come out.” (Greg Gregorio / dioceseofantipolo.org)
