Faith and Justice Office, Missionary Society of St Columban
You must have heard or read in the newspapers that the DOJ has ordered the filing of rape charge against Fr. Shay Cullen of the PREDA Foundation. This pertains to the same charge of rape of a seven-year old girl already dismissed by the lower court. This old case is being brought up as harassment to obstruct the work of PREDA seeking justice for abused children by pedophile suspects.
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.
The Hon. Secretary Artemio Tuquero,
Department of Justice,
Padre Faura,
Manila,
Philippines
4.9.2000
Dear Secretary Tuquero,
I am writing to express my deepest concern about the charges filed against Fr. Shay Cullen , of PREDA, Olongapo and the warrant of arrest for him arising from these charges.
I do not believe that these charges have any truth of any kind in them. It is inconceivable that a man such Fr. Cullen and the organization he founded (PREDA) could be guilty of such abuse.
The work of Fr. Cullen in seeking Justice for children is known world wide; his work for the human rights of countless children in the face of a massive and well organized pedophile net work is exemplary. the fruits of this work are not only to be seen in the Philippines, but have had impact in other countries -- England being one example.
The fact that he is recognized as worthy of being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize speaks for itself. But even more fundamental than that is the recognition and admiration of so many parents who know of the untiring efforts of his to make the world safer for their children and all children.
In his context, I earnestly request you to initiate a speedy and just review of the new materials he has submitted exonerating him from what are clearly false charges by a pedophile ring and to file a resolution dismissing the charges.
Further, I request you to initiate a just review of the evidence against the two boys in the Edmonds case, which is pending at the Department of Justice, so that the necessary therapy for the rehabilitation of these boys can begin. And that urgent protection and therapeutic help is provided help is provided to the "7-year-old" girl associated with all these charges.
More and more cases of the most awful abuse against children are being exposed on a daily basis -- England where I now work is no exception. Surely all of us have a profound responsibility to ensure the protection of vulnerable children by doing all in our power to halt those committing those crimes, especially the global network that systematically plans it, and to give the fullest support and recognition to people like Fr. Cullen who have dedicated their lives to this most honorable cause.
I trust in your personal fairness and the respect for justice which role calls for to act promptly in this case so that Fr. Cullen's fullest attention can be give once again to the continued protection of the most vulnerable in our society.
Yours Truly,
Eamonn O'Brien ssc,
Co-ordinator,
Faith and Justice Office,
Missionary Society of St Columban,
St Joseph's, Watford Way,
Hendon, London, NW4 4ty.
via e-mail & fax dated September 04, 2000
