Pastor nabbed and jailed for rape in Pangasinan

By Jennelyn Mondejar

BUGALLON, Pangasinan — A 32- year-old pastor of the Jesus Christ 5th Ministry in this municipality was jailed for allegedly raping a girl inside the church in Barangay Laguit Padilla here.

SPO1 Juvilyn Cruz, head of the Bugallon PNP Women’s Desk, said the suspect was a leader of the church, married, and resident of Laguit Padilla. Cruz said the victim was a 13-year-old out-of-school girl.

The suspect was arrested in his residence on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Georgina Hidalgo of the Regional Trial Court’s Branch 68 in Lingayen, Pangasinan for the crime of rape on two counts. No bail was recommended.

Police records said the victim went to the church to practice as a member of the choir of the Church of Jesus Christ 5th Ministry in September 2008.

The victim reportedly cried as she asked that the abuse be stopped. Another man was also alleged to have raped her.