DOJ issues lookout order vs priest in rape try

The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday placed on immigration lookout the priest arrested by police for allegedly attempting to sexually abuse a 13-year-old girl in Marikina last July.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre issued a memorandum directing the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to include Monsignor Arnel Lagarejos in its lookout bulletin.

“Considering the gravity of the offense allegedly committed, there is a possibility that he will attempt to leave the country,” read the memorandum.

Unlike a hold departure order issued by the court, a lookout bulletin does not automatically prevent a crime suspect from leaving the country, but requires the person to seek permission from the DOJ.

Lagarejos was charged for violating Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act before the Marikina City regional trial court.

He was released from detention after posting bail of P120,000.

The priest was indicted for two more counts of qualified trafficking over two previous incidents where Lagarejos allegedly hired the same victim for sexual favors.

Four other persons who acted as pimps of the victim were also named respondents.

Earlier, Aguirre said the victim’s family sought to be placed under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program due to threats to their lives.