Catholic priest who was caught driving 13-year-old girl to motel after paying teenage pimp is released on bail
Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos allegedly arranged to meet the minor and her pimp via social media
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Roman Catholic priest who was arrested with a 13-year-old girl in his car on the way to a motel, has been released on bail, police said.
Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos was arrested as part of a sting by officers in the Phillipine capital of Manila.
He allegedly pulled a gun as officers surrounded him, according to local media reports.
After he was charged with violating anti-trafficking laws, he was stripped of his duties as a parish priest of St John The Baptist Parish and president of Cainta Catholic College.
After he posted bail of P120,000 (£1,825) to secure his release, Senior Superintendent Roger Quesada said they investigating allegations he had already met the girl twice, engaging in sexual intercourse on one occasion
The priest allegedly arranged via social media to meet the minor and a pimp outside a shopping mall, where he reportedly paid around 500 Philippine Pesos (£7.49) to take the girl.
Retired Bishop Oscar Cruz, who is leading the church's investigation into the allegations, confirmed the meeting had been arranged by a pimp.
The girl’s mother allegedly arranged a honeytrap operation with police after the girl opened up to social workers about the abuse.
The department accessed her social media accounts to find out who was selling her to men.
The pimp was a 16-year-old friend of the girl's, according to Rappler.
Bishop Cruz said the findings of the church's investigation will be sent directly to the Vatican and Lagarejos could be kicked out of the church if found guilty.
The Diocese of Antipolo said in a statement: “The Diocese of Antipolo makes it clear that it will not in any way condone or abet the trafficking in persons, particularly of minors, nor protect the offenders from prosecution, and subsequent trial and punishment when evidence so warrants.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments