Catholic Priest Accused Of "loving" An Underage Child /child Abuse By The Cloth

[Call me bubba]

Many postings have been made about foreigners who have been accused of either child abuse,sexual assault, or other behavior that may be inappropriate, I would like to give equal access to FR. Raul Cabonce of Tubay,Agusan del Nortehe has been accused of a sexual related offense against a minor/child A 17-year-old girl from Agusan del Norte filed on Wednesday three cases—acts of lasciviousness, child abuse, and rape, against a Catholic priest in Tubay town with the provincial court.Leah (not her real name) accused Tubay parish priest Fr. Raul Cabonce of sexually assaulting and raping her several times while she was working under his care.“I hope he will be imprisoned for his whole life,” she told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview.Leah’s ordeal began on June 2010 when she got a message from the priest to see him at the convent.Cabonce, she said, offered to pay for her tuition as a fourth year high school student if she worked at the convent.Leah, who was 9th in a brood of 12, readily accepted the offer.“My parents were too poor,” she said. “I wanted to be a doctor.”On Sept. 16, 2010, the priest made advances to her while she was cooking. Cabonce suddenly put his hand on her breast. Shocked, Leah said she backed away from Cabonce, who made light of his actions, even teasing her for being “too serious.”A few months later, Leah’s situation at the convent worsened. One evening, Leah said she was summoned by Cabonce to his room. “There were guns in his bedroom. I saw three, two long firearms and one short,” she recalled.The priest asked for a massage, she said. A few minutes later, the priest started groping her. When she protested and tried to leave, Cabonce forced her to bed and molested her despite her protestations.Leah said the abuse was repeated several times the next month. She tried to avoid Cabonce while at the convent.“He would pretend to be holy and say Mass, but he was only wearing a mask. He is not a true servant of God. He only became a priest to gain money,” she said.According to her affidavit, the priest forced her twice to give him oral sex. Cabonce, she said, was so violent that he made her gums bleed.Leah recounted that every time she was in the bedroom, the priest made it a point to show her his firearms.‘I will kill your family’Once, he threatened her not to speak about the abuse. “He said, don’t tell this to anyone or I’ll kill your family,” she said. Cabonce also threatened her once with a knife.Leah said she endured the sexual assaults because she wanted to finish her studies.Last March, when the academic year ended, she finally left the convent and reported the abuse to her mother.The militant women’s group Gabriela has put Leah under its care while she underwent medical and psychological exams in Manila.Gabriela said there may be more victims like Leah, whose trust and poverty are being exploited.Medico-legal findings from the Philippine General Hospital and from a team of health experts in Mindanao showed there was a possibility of sexual abuse.Three psychological reports also revealed that the victim was harboring suicidal thoughts and was suffering from post-traumatic disorder.In June this year, Leah tried to kill herself by slashing her wrists.Anticipating that the priest had left the parish, Leah urged the Catholic hierarchy to investigate her case. “I hope that they are not hiding him,” she said.Cabonce is under the jurisdiction Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos.Lana Libanan, Gabriela secretary-general, urged the Catholic Church to surrender Cabonce to authorities. http://newsinfo.inqu...-priest-of-rape 7.13pm 27 aug 11latest update BUTUAN CITY, Philippines—The parish priest of Tubay, Agusan del Norte, who has been accused of rape and other sexual abuses by a 17-year-old has been relieved of duties, officials of a women’s group aiding the alleged victim said.Atel Hijos, Gabriela spokesperson for the Caraga region, said they learned that the Reverend Raul Cabonce of the St. Anne Parish has been re-assigned to the Bishop’s Palace here by Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos and was under the prelate’s custody.Lina Linaban, secretary general of Gabriela in Caraga, said removing Cabonce from Tubay was not enough.“It is not enough to transfer the erring priest to another parish where he can still violate other girls. He should be made accountable (for his acts) under the State’s laws as well as Church laws,” she said.As in various times in the past, Pueblos did not answer calls nor respond to text message from the Inquirer.Linaban said the experience of the girl, identified only as Leah, showed “that exploitation and abuse occur even in places that seem safe.”“We are saddened that the crime happened within the very institution that is supposed to uphold morality. The priest exploited Leah’s trust and violated her despite her young age,” Linaban said in a statement issued Friday.The alleged victim filed charges of rape, acts of lasciviousness and child abuse against Cabonce at the Agusan del Norte prosecutor’s office last Thursday.She claimed that Cabonce abused her on five different occasions since September.Cabonce repeatedly denied the allegations in radio interviews, dismissing them as “trumped–up” charges concocted by his unidentified detractors.He would not elaborate, however, saying he would file his answer to the charges in due time.Linaban said based on the account of the girl, Cabonce had initially molested her by touching her private parts.“Subsequent molestations, the last one ending in rape, happened on March 3 and 14,” Linaban said.She said the girl “was threatened with a curse and an end to her scholarship to prevent her from telling anyone about her sexual ordeal.”Linaban said Cabonce also “made sure that his guns and bladed weapon were in plain sight of Leah while violating her inside his room.”Despite Cabonce’s denial, Hijos said it was unlikely for the girl to make up stories that could soil her reputation.“(She has) a strong case and sufficient evidence for Father Raul Cabonce’s conviction,” she said.Hijos told the Inquirer their group took custody of Leah, who “is now undergoing counseling for the severe emotional and psychological trauma resulting from Father Cabonce’s abuses.”“Leah was greatly affected by her traumatic experience. She could not imagine that this could happen to her considering that she trusted the priest as a man of God,” Linaban said.She said Gabriela has urged Pueblos not to protect Cabonce and not cover up for the priest’s alleged misdeeds.“Bishop Pueblos should be an instrument of justice and equality rather than engage in a cover up to protect Father Cabonce,” Hijos said.“Like Leah, there may be other girls, who are not given the opportunity to finish their studies because of lack of resources. And often, like Leah, they are exploited because of their poverty,” she said. http://newsinfo.inqu...2%80%99s-palace update 7.45 pm 27 aug11http://newsinfo.inqu...accused-of-rape Cabonce repeatedly denied the allegations in radio interviews, dismissing them as “trumped–up” charges concocted by his unidentified detractors.He would not elaborate, however, saying he would file his answer to the charges in due time. seems he like others, I have readsuffer from a "persecution complex syndrome" by unknown ""detractors""

[Jollygoodfellow]

There has been many cases world wide where priests have abused others for sexual gratification. The problem being in my opinion is the Catholic church does not allow its priest to marry (correct me if I'm wrong). As men we all have sexual desires'its only natural and I believe that by supposedly giving them up is plain stupid as it would never work,it just forces them underground to keep up the image of gods servant or what ever it is.No matter what there is abuse in every section of the humane race,often the power of the position one holds is the culprit and also often is the stupid way that people are meant to go against a natural feeling such as intimacy and sex.

[Jake]

There has been many cases world wide where priests have abused others for sexual gratification. The problem being in my opinion is the Catholic church does not allow its priest to marry (correct me if I'm wrong). As men we all have sexual desires'its only natural and I believe that by supposedly giving them up is plain stupid as it would never work,it just forces them underground to keep up the image of gods servant or what ever it is.No matter what there is abuse in every section of the humane race,often the power of the position one holds is the culprit and also often is the stupid way that people are meant to go against a natural feeling such as intimacy and sex.

Yeah, the so called vow of celibacy among bishops and priest of many religions is an interpretation of the ancient Bible. That sacred vow also includes sexual thoughts and behavior such as masturbation. As Boss Man said, we were giving the gift of free will and natural desire to pro-create. Even in the animal kingdom, thestrong urge to pro-create is a vital factor of survival of the species. Last time I checked National Geographic channel,I didn't see a male lion wearing a pad locked chastity belt: http://www.chastitybeltformen.com/ Now the alleged priest is in custody at the bishop's palace? What's wrong with that picture?? See no evil, hear no evil.You have been given penance for your sins and oh by the way, can you bend over some more...... Give me a break -- Jake

[Bruce]

What I see here is not so much rape, but a power issue. From a sexual standpoint, there are more than enough willing women / girls who would jump at the chance to work in the convent and gladly accept sexual behaviors. With the guns and threats of killing the family, the guy was more interested in control and use of sex as a form of control instead of simply personal satisfaction. He chose a girl that he wanted to control instead of chosing a girl who was willing to participate, regardless of her reasons for being willing. (Money, schooling, social status, food, etc) When she resisted and said NO, he should have taken the hint and looked for a more willing woman. That was his real mistake. Not respecting her refusal and turning the situation into an uncomfortable potentially violent situation for the girl. Before anyone thinks I am defending him, I want to point out that once you remove the threats and control issues, you have a simple business transaction. Quid Pro Quo. I would say there are litterly thousands of young Pinays from Angeles to Makati to Cebu and all other cities that would gladly take him up on an offer of trading sex for school money or similar payment. And it is far from over. Like the swinging of a pendulum, she is now going to be made into the poster child of that womens organization who have their own agenda to promote. While she can't undo what was done, she said she wanted to be a doctor, and I hope she is able to stop the manipulation and is able to steer this situation into a full scholarship to med school..... Life goes on and waits for no one. She can either be a part of it or not....... Putting him in prison certainly sounds nice. But does nothing for her future. In English we have a saying about changing sour lemons into lemon aide. Time will tell what she does with her life.

[Jake]

Excellent comments Bruce. "Quid Pro Quo" is a mutual trade-off in the flesh market, especially withthousands of young girls and boys starving and homeless. Given similar circumstances, I wouldprobably continue to sell my body and soul just to relieve my hunger pains for the rest of my life. Respectfully -- Jake

[sjp52]

What I see here is not so much rape, but a power issue. From a sexual standpoint, there are more than enough willing women / girls who would jump at the chance to work in the convent and gladly accept sexual behaviors. With the guns and threats of killing the family, the guy was more interested in control and use of sex as a form of control instead of simply personal satisfaction. He chose a girl that he wanted to control instead of chosing a girl who was willing to participate, regardless of her reasons for being willing. (Money, schooling, social status, food, etc) When she resisted and said NO, he should have taken the hint and looked for a more willing woman. That was his real mistake. Not respecting her refusal and turning the situation into an uncomfortable potentially violent situation for the girl. Before anyone thinks I am defending him, I want to point out that once you remove the threats and control issues, you have a simple business transaction. Quid Pro Quo. I would say there are litterly thousands of young Pinays from Angeles to Makati to Cebu and all other cities that would gladly take him up on an offer of trading sex for school money or similar payment. And it is far from over. Like the swinging of a pendulum, she is now going to be made into the poster child of that womens organization who have their own agenda to promote. While she can't undo what was done, she said she wanted to be a doctor, and I hope she is able to stop the manipulation and is able to steer this situation into a full scholarship to med school..... Life goes on and waits for no one. She can either be a part of it or not....... Putting him in prison certainly sounds nice. But does nothing for her future. In English we have a saying about changing sour lemons into lemon aide. Time will tell what she does with her life.

Well maybe there are girls that would take his offer but that does not make it right. He should know better. He is in a position of trust. Also the girl was under age so a double no no. If he is guilty I hope they make him rot in jail for the rest of his life. There was a priest in my home town in Canada that molested 27 boys and girls over a 25 year period before he was finally put away. He always got away with it because the parents believed the priest over their own kids. Every time it happened he was moved to another city, So his Superiors knew there was a problem but just moved him around instead of fixing the problem. They are just a guilty as he is imo. So as many times that you hear of issues like this arising there are probably a lot more that were covered up

[Bruce]

You are making a moral judgement about his conduct. In a perfect world, you would be correct. We don't have a perfect world. There always has been and will be those in society that take advantage of a situation. No one can change that. The next best thing is to try to set examples and standards to be met. In this case, it is vastly different than a true pedophile (paedophile for those with a proper English education) in which a person 'molests' young kids. This girl is 17. He made her and offer and then after the fact he changed the rules. So, in this case you need to look at the 'big picture'. She is one of what 12 kids? No money to go to school, limited future. He made her an offer. Now, in our 'western thinking' he is an opportunist or a pervert or a pig or even a Cad (!) for those older guys reading this post. But if you, look at the situation in our not so perfect world, IF he was not there to make his offer.... WHAT would happen to her? While he did change the rules after the fact (bastard!) his offer might have been her only chance to finish school. So I am not complaining about his making her an offer, I am complaining about him changing the rules and then assulting her after she said no. To which I hope she can turn ot around to him paying her med school dream. The lesson here, if there is such a thing, is to tell other white men as well as Pinoys in a position to 'take advantage' of a similar situation... is to FOLLOW THROUGH with your promises! If you make an offer or promise to do something in exchange for something in return. DO IT. This in no way means you should use and abuse people.... that is different. But for a straight forward 'offer / deal / contract'..... if you do this ___________ for me, I will do this _________ for you......... is maybe the only option she has to go to school, start a business or feed her family. While it is so easy to say to 'take the high road' and simply not make such an offer in the first place..... think it through. Suppose you DON'T make such an offer...... what happens to her life then?

[sjp52]

You are making a moral judgement about his conduct. In a perfect world, you would be correct. We don't have a perfect world. There always has been and will be those in society that take advantage of a situation. No one can change that. The next best thing is to try to set examples and standards to be met. In this case, it is vastly different than a true pedophile (paedophile for those with a proper English education) in which a person 'molests' young kids. This girl is 17. He made her and offer and then after the fact he changed the rules. So, in this case you need to look at the 'big picture'. She is one of what 12 kids? No money to go to school, limited future. He made her an offer. Now, in our 'western thinking' he is an opportunist or a pervert or a pig or even a Cad (!) for those older guys reading this post. But if you, look at the situation in our not so perfect world, IF he was not there to make his offer.... WHAT would happen to her? While he did change the rules after the fact (bastard!) his offer might have been her only chance to finish school. So I am not complaining about his making her an offer, I am complaining about him changing the rules and then assulting her after she said no. To which I hope she can turn ot around to him paying her med school dream. The lesson here, if there is such a thing, is to tell other white men as well as Pinoys in a position to 'take advantage' of a similar situation... is to FOLLOW THROUGH with your promises! If you make an offer or promise to do something in exchange for something in return. DO IT. This in no way means you should use and abuse people.... that is different. But for a straight forward 'offer / deal / contract'..... if you do this ___________ for me, I will do this _________ for you......... is maybe the only option she has to go to school, start a business or feed her family. While it is so easy to say to 'take the high road' and simply not make such an offer in the first place..... think it through. Suppose you DON'T make such an offer...... what happens to her life then?

I don,t think you get my point. If I was poor and decided to rob you blind it would be ok because I am justified in the fact that I am poor and needed money. We as a human race have standards and rules and morales to live by so that things will be civilized. If we break these rules and morales and standards because we think it is justified because of our greedy needs then God help us. you have made a valid statement but I don,t think it applies in this case ( only if he is guilty in what he has done ) Any man that asks for sex from an underage girl deserves what he gets. He is taking advantage of the girls poverty and yes it happens here a lot but it does not make it right. It is not a perfect world and it will get further away from that perfect world if we make comments like you did or think that way.( bold high lite ). From what I have heard a lot of men that make offers like that to girls are capable of scaring the girl for life with what he expects from her sexually ( not all ). I would not want any man to ask for sex from my daughter so she could get a head in life. He did not really help that girl out with that so called contract, What he put into that innocent girls mind is, all I have to do is sleep with men to get lots of money. Thank god this girl wasn,t buying it. ( if he is guilty ). This rant of mine is not directed at you , Just your comment

[Bruce]

Well again, you are thinking like a western man and applying western standards to the situation. And you said 'underage girl'There is a huge difference between pre and post pubescence. Depending on your location the term 'underage' is subjective. In South Carolina, it used to be 14! I know two men who were married there (years ago) to 14 yr old girls..... In my work out on Samar, I have been 'approached' several times by young women, just north of the puberty line. I always thank them as I refuse and then I ask how I can help them. They don't, at first, understand the offer of help without me expecting something in return. But we get past that point and then they understand that not all white faces are interested in young girls..... While not attacking you, I would say you write 'emotionaly' while I write 'intellectually'. I understand fully what your point is, but applying it to the real world situation in the Philippines is not going to work. I have 2 daughters. 14 and 15. If they were approached by an older man with a proposition, the older one would punch him and then brag about it. But the 14 year old one would listen to the proposition and then try to negeotiate a better deal. She looks at things in a more business like prespective. Her mother of course would do what (most) mothers do and call the police......

[sjp52]

so in your eyes its ok for all priest to proposition young girls as long as they dont change the rules half way through. Well since you are an intellectual writer you must be right The real world situation in the Philippines has nothing to do with a priest asking a young girl for sex. It happenes all over the world but is dealt with differently. You thinks its ok here because the girl is poor and its the only way for her to get help. How about that man of the cloth just helping her out with out the clause in the contract of her putting out for him. That girl was not a prostitute but he treated her like one. What he did was against the law all over the world and here in the Philippines too as he will soon find out and all the intellectual writing in the world will not change that. ( Age of consent in the Philippines 18 ) But you just go on believing thats its ok. I learned a little bit about your other side today.

Edited August 30, 2011 by sjp52