Philippine villagers struggle with priest sex abuse shock

BILIRAN (THE PHILIPPINES)
UCA News

April 15, 2019

By Ronald O. Reyes

Parishioners of accused American priest say scandal came out of the blue

People in a central Philippine village, where a 77-year-old American priest allegedly molested young boys, are clinging to their faith to overcome the stigma the abuse scandal has brought.

Residents said news about the abuse, which surfaced last year, was “extremely difficult” for the estimated 1,000 people in the sleepy coastal village of Talustosan to come to terms with.

“We’re all hurt,” said 38-year-old Nito Olaguer, a father of four and a former acolyte of accused Father Kenneth Hendricks.

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