MANILA, Philippines – A priest from Sri Lanka was arrested for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl in Pasay City.
“Jeanna” (not her real name) said she was with her mother in front of a restaurant in Libertad, Pasay City when the priest approached her and touched her private parts.
“Nagtataka nga ako kung bakit lumalapit ‘yung lalaki,” (I was wondering why the man was approaching us), said Jeanna’s mother.
The mother witnessed the alleged molestation and immediately sought the help of a street cleaner, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
At the police precinct, the priest was identified as 43-year-old Nilantha Uduwaka, a native of Sri Lanka.
Uduwaka is currently assigned in one of the leading universities in Manila.
A complaint for acts of lasciviousness and child abuse was immediately filed against the priest.
Concern of special treatment inside the priest’s detention cell was expressed by Jeanna’s mother.
However, the investigator handling the case assured the victim’s family that the suspect is just within the vicinity and is consulting with his lawyer.
“Pari po siya eh. Dapat nirerespeto nila ang mga tao,” (He is a priest. He should respect people), said the child victim. (Story lifted from ABS-CBN News)