
Two priests of the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental facing complains for alleged sexual abuse of minors remain on administrative leave and are not engaged in any ministerial duties, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said on Thursday, Jan. 30.
The Diocese of San Carlos would like to address recent concerns regarding the status of Fr. Conrado Mantac and Fr. Aron Buenacosa, who are both facing complaints for alleged sexual abuse of minors, Alminaza said.
BishopAccountability.org, a United States-based watchdog, on Wednesday launched an online database on more than 80 Roman Catholic priests in the Philippines who have been publicly accused of sexually abusing minors.
It said Buenacosa was charged on Feb. 27, 2019 by the Cadiz City Prosecutor’s Office with raping a 4-year-old girl. The child’s mother was an assistant secretary at the St. Joseph Parish church in Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, BishopAccountability.org said.
Buenacosa denied the allegation but was charged with violating Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, it said.
Alminaza relieved Buenacosa of his parish duties.
As of December 2024, Buenacosa was back in public ministry, celebrating mass at the Sto. Niño parish in Cadiz City, and on Dec. 16, 2024, he concelebrated a mass with Alminaza, BishopAccountability.org said.
Mantac was arrested in March 2023 for allegedly raping a 17-year-old choir girl in 2022 while assigned to the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Sagay City, BishopAccountability.org said.
Mantac was suspended from ministry in December 2022 after the Diocese received the complaint. He denied the allegations.
In December 2024 he was shown on social media presiding at a mass at St. John Mary Vianney Seminary College, BishopAccountability.org said.
“It is important to note that these cases are still under ecclesiastical review by our Diocesan Safeguarding Office, and the Diocese is steadfastly committed to cooperating with civil authorities and the Philippine Courts to ensure a fair and just process,” Alminaza said.
Both institutional processes, legal and ecclesiastical, are being carried out to protect the victims and implement
proper disciplinary sanctions with the accused, he said.
“The two priests are within the Diocese because our Church institution is committed to properly monitoring and assuring that no one escapes accountability to legal and ecclesiastical sanctions,” he said.
“We want to reassure the faithful that, contrary to what is alleged, the Church is following the established protocols for the protection of minors, upholding due process for the accused, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims,” Alminaza added.
The bishop said he wanted to clarify that the participation of Mantac and Buenacosa as co-celebrants at certain liturgical events does not equate to active pastoral ministry.
“Their status remains unchanged, and they continue to be under administrative leave,” he said.
“We recognize the deep concern these allegations may cause within our community, and we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and synodality throughout this process,” Alminaza said.
The Diocese continues to prioritize the safety of children and the protection of vulnerable individuals above all else, he assured.
Alminaza said the Diocese is always available for any legal inquiries about the status of the accused, “aware of our accountability as a Church institution”.
“Primarily, it is our task and duty to protect the victims and defend their dignity. We also wish to offer support to anyone who may have been affected by these allegations,” he said.
Individuals who have information related to these cases, or who wish to report an instance of abuse, are encouraged to contact Fr. Martin G. Brodit, Jr. at +639939376065 or via email at efarbro1278@gmail.com, he said.
“The Diocese remains unwavering in its dedication to upholding the highest standards of conduct, ensuring a safe environment for all, and respecting the integrity of the legal and ecclesiastical processes,” Alminaza said.*