Ex-pastor charged for abusing 3 boys

CEBU, Philippines — A former pastor is facing criminal charges before the court for allegedly sexually abusing three boys, two of them are siblings.

Prosecutor III Rhodna Alcala-Bacatan held   Rober Lantao, a resident of Purok 3, Matobato, Calbayog City, for trial for violation of Section 5 (b) of Republic Act 7610 or child abuse.

“The uncontested evidence on record convinced this office that sexual intercourse and lascivious conduct were committed against herein minor-complainants. The positive identification of the three minor-complainants of the respondent as the offender established the probability that herein respondent may have committed the acts complained of,” read the resolution.

In his complaint, a 12-year-old boy alleged he had been sexually molested by Lantao on five occasions.

The molestation reportedly started when Lantao would bring him to his house in Mabolo, Cebu City and would give him money after the incident.

They knew Lantao because he was a family friend.

Out of five times, the 12-year-old boy, clearly narrated what happened on April 18, 2018 at 9:46 p.m.

A 15-year-old boy also claimed that he was allegedly sexually molested by the accused since he was just nine years old.

The sexual abuses reportedly happened thrice a month.  Lantao would usually invite him to stay at his place for a price.

The last incident he remembered was in April 2017.

The 15-year-old boy alleged his brother, a 13-year-old, saw the sexual act between him and Lantao.

The 13-year-old boy also claimed that he had sexual intercourse with Lantao numerous times.

Because he could no longer bear the abuses made by Lantao, the 15-year-old victim allegedly disclosed to his parents, that he, his younger brother, and cousin were abused.

The city prosecutor’s office has issued a subpoena directing Lantao to answer the accusations filed against him, but the accused failed.

Bacatan resolved the complaint and found probable cause to elevate the case before the court.

Bacatan has recommended a P200,000 bail for each count of the alleged criminal offense. — GAN (FREEMAN)