The Diocese of Borongan in the central Philippines has announced Sunday the dismissal of Pio Aclon from the priesthood for sexual abuse involving minors.
In a circular dated July 18, 2023, Fr. James Abelle, chancellor of the diocese, said Pope Francis “has dismissed from the clerical state” the priest who was incardinated in Borongan.
“He is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church,” the circular read.
The circular was read in all parishes and churches of the diocese on Sunday, September 17.
According to the news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Aclon last served at a minor seminary in Borogan where he was accused of abusing minors and before the diocese suspended him from his priestly duties.
The Holy See has repeatedly apologized for the clerical abuses and vowed to confront abusers and restore justice.
The bishops’ conference has assured there will be no cover-up on the clergy sex abuse cases involving the clergy, CBCP News reported.
The Filipino bishops have established an office that will help protect minors from alleged sexual abuses perpetuated by the clergy.
On his Facebook page, Aclon challenged Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan to “provide us the letter” from Pope Francis indicating his dismissal from the clerical state.
