Priest accused of molesting altar boys moved to BI jail

MANILA, Philippines — An American Catholic priest accused of molesting up to 50 altar boys was transferred yesterday from Biliran to the detention facility of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Kenneth Bernard Hendricks, 77, is being held on charges of sexual abuse while waiting for his deportation, according to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

“Despite his age and being a priest, he will not be given special treatment,” Sandoval told reporters.

On Wednesday, members of the BI Fugitive Search Unit and Philippine National Police, accompanied by officers from the US Homeland Security, apprehended Hendricks at the Cathedral of Our Lady Rosary Parish in Biliran.

The priest has been living in the country for 37 years.

The US embassy in Manila is processing the revocation of Hendrick’s passport to facilitate his deportation.