BISHOP of Tagum Medel Aseo bared several priests who were suspended and removed from the Diocese of Tagum after violations on their priesthood.
According to the circular, the priests violated the vow of celibacy or the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.
Based on the Circular Number 6 dated November 26 addressed to the Parish Priests, Administrators and Chaplains, school principals/administrators, and the Lay Faithful in the Diocese of Tagum, Medel has barred some 26 priests from administering sacraments and sacramentals in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
They were identified as Father Marlon Avenido, Fr. Gerry Cosal, Fr. Jovito Niniel, Fr. Marino Angostura, Fr. Daniel Ranalan, Fr. Felix Abangin, Fr. Artemio Lebria Jr, and Fr. Jojie Vingno.
“The following priests are no longer in Communion with the Roman Catholic Church and are no longer connected with the Diocese of Tagum. Further, they either under the pain of latae sententiae excommunication due to Heresy, Apostasy and Schism (can. 751, can. 1364) and latae sententiae suspended because of the violation of the vow of celibacy (can. 277 and can. 1394),” the circular said.
There are 18 other priests without faculty “to administer sacraments and sacramental due to the pain of censures and expiatory penalties they incurred.”
The Bishop has suspended Fathers Miguel Guzman, Elmer Pontilar, Emmanuel Patriarca, Jesus Dandoy, Jr., Narciso Jadraque, Raymundo Honor, Fernando Juab, Eulalio Moring, Romulo Malooy, Engelbert Causing, Elca Aridel, Jerum Quitoriano, Judel Salarda, Ernest Pallo, and Reynaldo Moso from conducting priestly ministry.
On the other hand, Fr. Noel Refamonte has received a penalty of leave of absence and without faculties, while Fr. Arnel Celis has "preventive suspension from priestly ministry and without faculties to celebrate sacraments and sacramentals". Father Alih Pizarras was also meted with "leave of absence without faculties to celebrate sacraments and sacramentals".
“It is my fervent prayer that all will be guided accordingly and must observe greater caution in accommodating the teachings and participating in the liturgical celebrations, of any form of the abovementioned names as it will be having canonical implications and penalties,” Aseo said.