Two more girls file affidavits vs. priest

Three more girls allegedly harassed by a priest during a seminar organized by the Oasis of Love at the Abellana National School last November appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday but only two of them filed a complaint.

Special investigator Jedidah Hife, agent in-charge of the case, was very disappointed because only three of the five alleged victims she subpoenaed responded, and of the three only two executed an affidavit against the priest.

One of the girls who executed affidavits was also hesitant at first because her mother, who was with her, does not want her to file a complaint saying she might just have put malice into the priest's actions.

"Niingon ang mama nga di kuno sila ganahan mag-apil-apil kay gitagaan lang kuno og malisya sa iyang anak," Hife said.

Hife admitted that she was not able to contain her temper and scolded the mother because the victim was very willing to file a complaint. The mother eventually supported her daughter in filing the complaint.

So far they already have three affidavits against the priest who was identified by his alleged victims through a simulated lineup.

Hife said she is now looking into the possibility of filing a case against the parents of the alleged victims who are preventing their daughters from filing a complaint.

More alleged victims are scheduled to appear before her office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

At least 19 high school students of Abellana complained that they were harassed by the priest during confession when they attended a Life in the Spirit Seminar last November.

The victims claimed that the priest toyed with the straps of their bras, asked them personal questions and even invited them out for a drinking session. They, however, failed to name the priest.

The NBI however already has the identity of the priest but is currently withholding it until the filing of a case in court. - Fred P. Languido