Leah finally left the priest’s residence on April 7 and went seek refuge in a convent where she was referred to members of a Gabriela chapter in Caraga by June 24. She was taken to Davao City for a medico-legal and psychological examination before she was finally taken to Manila in July and began continuous counseling.

Leah filed a criminal case against the alleged perpetrator on August 25.The young girl said she wants Cabonce punished for what he did to her, “But more than that I want the authorities to stop him from doing what he did to me to other women, other children,” she said.

In the meantime, in a radio interview over Bombo Radio, Cabonce said he categorically denies allegations of rape.” “Please check the background of the family of the victim first before judging me,” he told the media.

Cabonce stands accused of violating Republic Act 7610 “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act specifically the provision penalizing “those who commit the act of sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct with a child exploited in prostitution or subject to other sexual abuse.”

A crime committed by a man of the cloth

Gabriela secretary-general Lina Linaban appeals to to the public to give “Leah” support and to understand that the issue is not an attack against the Church or the religious beliefs of anyone. “This is all about seeking justice for a heinous crime committed against a minor, a young woman,” she says. (Photo by Ina Alleco Silverio / Bulatlat.com)

Gabriela secretary-general Lana Linaban has issued an appeal to the public to keep an “open mind and an open heart” when it comes to Leah’s case. She saidGabriela finally decided to make Leah’s case public after two month’s deliberations and only after ensuring that it was what Leah really wanted.

“She’s a minor and we were very concerned about how she has so far processed her terrible experience. We wanted her to first undergo counseling and receive proper psychological and medical attention,’ she said.

In a case report from the Philippine General Hospital’s Child Protection Unit (PCU) where Leah has been receiving regular check-ups, the attending physician found Leah to be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.Their anogenital findings revealed that she had been subjected to “blunt force or penetrating trauma.”

While Leah’s genital wounds have healed, her gums have only stopped bleeding earlier this week — seeming proof of the brutal force that had been used on her when the priest allegedly forced himself into her mouth.

Physicians have also determined that while Leah is capable of being awake, alert and completely aware of her surroundings and those around her, the 17-year old was also “depressed” and was prone to “visual and auditory hallucinations” and possesses “suicidal thoughts.”

“This young girl has suffered much because a supposed ‘man of God’ took advantage of her and her helplessness. We appeal to the public to give her support and to understand that this is not an attack against the Church or the religious belief of anyone. This is all about seeking justice for a heinous crime committed against a minor, a young woman,” said Linaban.

“What this case proves is that crimes against women and children can happen anywhere and be committed by anyone, and the Church and its members and officials are not exempt. It’s most unfortunate that in this case, the perpetrator is a man of the church and he betrayed what the institution has long promised to give those who follow it — comfort, care and respect. We hope that once this issue comes to attention of our church leaders — say, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines — they will not hesitate to take action and to do what is necessary in pursuit of justice for Leah.”

The women’s rights activist said the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines has already expressed their support for Leah and declared their commitment to help her through its president Sr. Mary John Mananzan.

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