TACLOBAN CITY — The Archdiocese of Palo has urged victims, witnesses, and anyone with credible information about the abuse of minors or vulnerable adults involving members of the local Church to report the incidents to its Safeguarding Office, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring accountability.
In a statement, the Archdiocese said its Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Office, also known as the Safeguarding Office, is tasked with receiving complaints involving the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults and ensuring that every report is acted upon in accordance with Church safeguarding policies.
The Archdiocese appealed to victims, their families, witnesses, and other individuals with first-hand knowledge of alleged abuse to come forward so that appropriate action can be taken promptly.
It assured the public that all reports will be handled with sensitivity, respect for confidentiality, and in line with the Archdiocese’s established safeguarding procedures.
“The victimization of children and vulnerable adults has no place in the Catholic Church,” the Archdiocese said, reiterating its commitment to creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable persons in all Church institutions and ministries.
“We continue working together to address and definitely avoid incidents of abuse,” the statement added, while expressing gratitude to the faithful and the public for their continued concern for the welfare of both the community and the Church.
The Archdiocese encouraged those seeking assistance or wishing to report alleged cases of abuse to contact its Safeguarding Office through its Facebook page, RCAP Tutela Minorum, by calling 0962-503-0038, or by sending an email to minorumtutela@gmail.com.
The appeal forms part of the Archdiocese’s continuing efforts to strengthen its safeguarding mechanisms and encourage the reporting of abuse cases to ensure that complaints are properly investigated and appropriate interventions are undertaken.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
