CBCP warned of suspended Filipino priest

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has been warned on the status of a US-based Filipino priest who was suspended due to trial charges of theft and possession of pornographic materials.

Most Rev. Robert McManus of Worcester diocese in Massachusetts, USA told CBCP president and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar in a letter that the priest has fled his diocese and might be in the Philippines.

The US-based priest, Rev. Lowe B. Dongor, has been charged with theft and possession of child pornography and was about to go on trial last October 25 when he disappeared from the diocese before he could appear in court.

McManus in his letter to Odchimar said that the priest left a note saying that he was returning 'home.'

"I presume that he meant the Philippines," McManus said in his letter dated October 13.

McManus also revealed in his letter that on May 3, 2011 a recent clarification from the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith declared that "the acquisition, possession and distribution of child pornography is a canonical delict that pertains to the sexual abuse of a minor."

Because of the charges Dongor has been removed from active ministry and prohibited from wearing a clerical attire or present himself publicly as a priest.

"I bring this matter to Your Excellency's attention in case Fr. Dongor presents himself to Bishops in the arch/dioceses of the Philippines as a priest in good canonical standing," McManus said, adding: "Obviously this is not the case."

Diocesan records revealed that Dongor was born on February 17, 1976 in Iloilo, Philippines and attended Barotac Nuevo High School, graduating in 1993.

He was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 2010.- CBCP — ARA