Apuron's Accusers Say Will Continue with Lawsuit

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
July 27, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32549054/2016/07/27/apurons-accusers-say-will-continue-with-lawsuit

[with video]

According to Roy Quintanilla, Walter Denton and Roland Sondia, they weren't invited to today's press conference in which Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai retracted previous statements made by the Archdiocese of Agana and Archbishop Anthony Apuron.

Despite today's retraction, the alleged victims of the Archbishop Apuron's sexual abuse will be moving forward with the libel and slander lawsuit against the church and Apuron in hopes of getting the truth.

It's a step in the right direction. Quintanilla, "I think it's good that he felt compelled for whatever reason to retract those statements be it a lawsuit was what motivated them to retract it. Nonetheless, I'm glad he did." Sondia added, "This should've been done when he took over as the apostolic administrator."

And Denton noted, "It also has to stem from the pressure that he's received from not only the victims, but the people of Guam and all the protestors coming out there every Sunday."

Today's retraction however isn't enough for the three men - all former Agat altar boys who allege they were molested by Anthony Apuron nearly four decades ago. While it's too late to pursue criminal charges, they say they'll proceed with suing the church and Apuron for libel and slander in hopes of forcing Apuron to appear before a judge. "And if it's going to take a month, a year, whatever it takes, we're going to continue to fight for this," Sondia said.

Today's church press conference also announced a revised policy when it comes to responding to allegations of sex abuse. Although they're pleased to see change, Quintanilla says actions speak louder than words, noting, "The only question I have is that it's nice that its down on paper, but I hope that when the time comes and its necessary to implement that that its carried out the way its intended."

As for the investigation into Apuron, their confidence is limited. "They said that the Vatican has our statements, but we have no proof that the Vatican has our statements," Sondia commented.

Each of the men says the healing process is well underway, with Denton saying, "I want everyone to know they're coming out there showing their support, and letting them know I will continue to come out here and continue fight this battle."

Quintanilla tells KUAM News that he's been in talks with two other alleged victims who have yet to decide to go public with their accusations against Apuron. Meanwhile, this won't be the last we hear from the three. On Thursday, all will be testifying at a continued public hearing on Bill 326, which lifts the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases.

That hearing gets way at 10 a.m. at the Guam Legislature's Public Hearing Room in Hagatna.