Monseigneur Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos, a Catholic priest, reportedly pulled a gun on police after being discovered at a motel in the Philippines with a minor girl, who was 13.
The incident reportedly happened in Marikina City, Philippines, on July 28, 2017, but the story went viral recently.
55-year-old Monseigneur Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos reportedly pulled a gun on the cops after they raided the motel.
The police said that they were shocked to find out that a priest was involved in such crime.
Francisco de Leon, a bishop from Antipolo City, said:
The Diocese of Antipolo is looking into the matter involving the arrest of Monseigneur Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos as allegedly identified as a suspect in an entrapment operation in Marikina City. Thus, we assure the public that we respect the necessary procedures as provided by law in order to further investigate the matter. Let us refrain from issuing unnecessary comments that might worsen the situation. Instead we appeal for all the faithful to pray that the truth may come out.
The mother of the girl informed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) about the horrible act.
It is said the monsignor negotiated through social media with a local pimp, that is 16.
The priest and the 13-year-old girl agreed to meet at the Blue Wave Mall in Marikina City.
Authorities then followed the priest to the hotel, where they officially conducted a raid at around 6:30 pm that night.
The police said that the priest drew out his gun when the police came.
The 13-year-old girl and the pimp were handed over to the DSWD.
The priest is currently facing charges under the Republic Act 9208 anti-trafficking in persons act.