LES MAGASINS DU MONDE OXFAM
At the very outset, the girl consistently pointed to the 12-year old son of their housekeeper and her half-brother who abused her at least ten times. She cited this to her teachers, DSWD social workers, the police in San Antonio and the NBI agents at all times before any allegation was made against Fr. Shay.
In an elaborate attempt to frame-up Fr. Shay, the child was coerced to write an incriminating letter in the Baloy beach bar of Harry Joost - the most severe critic of Fr. Shay and PREDA. This location alone, where the letter was written, under very suspicious circumstances makes it very clear that this was an effort to manufacture evidence. The child's father - Alan Dale Edmonds who left her at the time she was writing her testimony was still allowed to sign as witness. This was documented by the Commission of Human Rights Region III, who didn't even bother to get the side of Fr. Shay and PREDA when they finally made their report.
Members of the pedophile support group have made 50 false charges against PREDA staff over the past two years, most have been dismissed as baseless and harassment. Edmonds made 30 of these false allegations.
To all of these, PREDA did not waver but stand firm in its commitment to the children. In the performance of their duties and responsibilities, they see to it, always, that their actions are tempered with justice and compassion. Thus, if despite all these efforts, they will still be accused of these unimaginable crimes, PREDA is ready to face them.
Therefore, we the undersigned, express our strongest solidarity for
Fr. Shay and PREDA for their utmost dedication in the upliftment of victims of
child abuse. Fr. Shay and PREDA's on-going campaign to end the abusive and
illegal activities of pedophiles surely deserves the support of all Filipinos
and people around the world who value and respect the rights of the children.
sent via telegram dated August 31, 2000
