Simala mess getting worse: Ex-monk suing Vidal for libel

CEBU, Philippines - The former monk, who exposed alleged irregularities happening inside the walls of the Simala Shrine in Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu, will be pushing through with the filing of a libel case against Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and two others.

They made this decision after allegedly being offered P3 million by lawyers of the Archdiocese of Cebu so that they would not pursue the libel suit.

The case stems from a publication of a “notice of disconnection” that was printed in Bag-ong Lungsuranon, a newspaper published by the church.

Also to be included in the suit will be Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, Frater Martin Mary and Fr. Marnel Mejia.

The complainant, Venancio Cabillon, who was once Frater Paul, while a monk at the shrine, claimed that he was approached by the lawyer thrice and offered the money to keep quiet.

Cabillon said that his lawyer has included Cardinal Vidal of the case as the prelate signed the published notice without even asking for his side.

He however said that they are still giving the Cardinal and other respondents of the case a chance to explain their side.

“Back to basic kung unsay giingon sa Ginoo sa bibliya nga muangkon sila ug mangayo ug pasaylo sa ilang gipasakitan, basta ila lang nang buhaton wala nay problema,” Cabillon said in a radio interview over dyRF.

Cabillon stated in the radio interview that the Cardinal has intervened in the issue and has asked him to move the case.

“Before Mama Mary’s birthday, niadtong September 2, gitawagan ko ni Fr. Cocoy sa Ronda kay makigkita nako si Cardinal Vidal, one-on-one didto sa Palasyo (Archbishop’s Palace) ug nisulti nga ang numero unong tuyo mao ang paatrason ko sa kaso ug akong giingnan nga dili ko mosibog sa kaso.”

Dr. Edwin Fonghe, with whom Cabillon has sought shelter, on the other hand said that media should not be blamed for the reports as they have first sought help from the church officials but to no avail prompting them to seek help from the media.

Cabillon went to a radio station on Thursday and aired allegations of homosexual practices and fund raising activities of his fellow religious brothers at the shrine.

Cabillon said the “notice of disconnection” published in Bag-ong Lungsuranon, the official newsletter of the Archdiocese of Cebu, on August 9 prompted him to find an avenue to seek justice for what had been done to him.

The Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration brothers manage the popular shrine in Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga.

They are the caretakers of the Virgin of Simala that is considered by many as a “miraculous image.”

The shrine began drawing crowds after the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was seen “shedding tears of blood” on September 8, 1998. –   /NLQ (FREEMAN NEWS)