Palo Archdiocese Calls on Victims, Witnesses to Come Forward on Abuse Reports

Posted on July 5, 2026 at 10:21am

PALO, Leyte — The Archdiocese of Palo has appealed to victims, witnesses, and anyone with credible information about the abuse of children and vulnerable adults within the archdiocese to come forward, assuring them that reports will be handled with confidentiality and care.

The appeal was made through an official statement released on July 4, 2026, by the Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Office, the body responsible for receiving and addressing complaints involving the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.

In its statement, the office said every report it receives is treated seriously and urged those who may have experienced abuse or those with firsthand knowledge of such incidents to speak up so that appropriate action can be taken.

The Archdiocese assured the public that all information shared with the Safeguarding Office will be treated with sensitivity and kept confidential, following the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Palo.

The statement comes as the Catholic Church continues to strengthen its child protection efforts in the wake of abuse cases that have surfaced in different parts of the world over the past several years. Across the Philippines, dioceses have established safeguarding offices to receive complaints, assist victims, and implement measures aimed at preventing abuse within Church communities.

While the Archdiocese did not cite any specific incident that prompted the statement, it reiterated its commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults and encouraged anyone with credible information to help ensure that cases are properly addressed.

“Victimizing young ones, children, or vulnerable adults is unacceptable in the Catholic Church. And we would like this abominable action to stop,” the statement read.

The Archdiocese also thanked members of the public for their concern for both the community and the Church, saying that preventing abuse requires the cooperation of everyone.

It reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with parishes, Church workers, volunteers, and the faithful to strengthen safeguarding efforts and create a safer environment for children and vulnerable adults.

The Safeguarding Office can be reached through its Facebook page, RCAP Tutela Minorum, by calling 0962-503-0038, or by email at minorumtutela@gmail.com.