Ex-monk seeks reconsideration on acts of lasciviousness case

CEBU, Philippines - Former monk Venancio Cabillon has sought reconsideration on the acts of lasciviousness charge that was filed against him by a fellow monk after the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office recommended the filing of charges after finding probable cause to indict him of the crime. 

Cabillon, in his motion for reconsideration, insisted that the case is an offshoot of the libel case he filed against Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and other church officials last year.

The complainant, whose name is being withheld by The FREEMAN, claimed that he was sexually molested by Cabillon on December 31, 2008 inside the Marian Monks Monastery.

But Cabillon claimed that on the dates mentioned by the complainant from October 23, 2008 to January 8, 2009, he was isolated and padlocked by Frater Martin at the formation house which is located in another building so it would be impossible for him to commit the said acts.

Cabillon also said that all these accusations are part of a demolition job to discredit him.

Panel of prosecutors Jerome Abarca and Maria Luisa B. Ong earlier said that there was evidence on record showing that the 26-year-old former colleague of Cabillon was molested by the latter.

“There is evidence on record that the complainant reported the incident right away on the following day to his superior. This immediate reaction of the complainant gives an impression that perhaps the respondent may have indeed committed the supposed acts,” the resolution reads.

The complainant, who was then assigned to ring the bell at midnight, said that while waiting for the time to come, he fell asleep and to his surprise he was awakened by Cabillon’s groaning, who he alleged was touching his sex organ.

According to the complainant, he immediately stood up and pushed Cabillon away. It was allegedly the second time that Cabillon did it to him.

He said that his first meeting with Cabillon was in a monastery in Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga while he was yet an aspirant. Cabillon was his Novice Master.

According to the complainant, Cabillon also sexually molested him during that time but he did not have the courage to report it to his superior.

The complainant said he tried his very best to avoid Cabillon until that December 31, 2008 incident wherein the latter took advantage while he was asleep.

Cabillon, in his counter affidavit, claimed that the instant complaint was merely filed to divert the issues from the libel case he filed against the church officials and monks of the MMEA.

Cabillon also claimed that he is a homosexual and had a sexual relationship with the complainant.

Likewise, he alleged that the complainant has other sexual relations inside the monastery.   (FREEMAN NEWS)