Joseph R. Pitts
27 September, 2000
His Excellency Joseph Estrada
President
The Philippines
Manila,
Philippines
Dear Mr. President:
In light of the long-standing relationship between our nations and the friendship between the Peoples of our countries, I am writing to share with you my concern regarding the case of Father Shay Cullen, a Catholic priest who is renowned for his long service to abused and neglected children and women through the PREDA Foundation, established in 1974. Father Cullen, an Irish missionary, awardees of the German Human Rights Award, and a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, has been accused of allegedly abusing children under his care. Reports show, however, that the facts do not support the allegations against him. It is my hope that your government would pay close attention to his case so that justice is carried out against the real perpetrators of sexual crimes against children.
As you may know, the case revolves around a seven-year-old girl told social workers, her teachers, national police, and a government psychologist that she was sexually abused by two twelve-year-old boys, a house-boy and her half brother. Further evidence of her abuse was presented in a video-taped interview in which the house-boy confessed to the crime in front of the public prosecutor. Unfortunately, reports suggest that when the child was returned to the custody of the boy's parents, they coerced her into writing a note accusing Father Cullen of sexual abuse. The American, non-biological, father of the girl filed over 36 charges against Father Cullen, the state prosecutor, senior Social Welfare Officials and legal officials, all of which were dismissed. The father's lawyer, however, appealed and revived the charges within the Department of Justice.
Accounts reveal that the young girl who allegedly drafted the letter against Father Cullen was forced to do so in a brothel on Baloy Beach in Olongapo City, a "red light" area from which many women and children go to the PREDA Foundation for assistance. As a result, Father Cullen's work has earned him the ire of paedophiles and sex traffickers. In light of continued reports of the excellent work of Father Cullen, it seems highly likely that the exploiters of children are the real concocters of these false accusations. I am concerned about the charges against Father Cullen as well as possible threats to his person.
Mr. President, I appreciate your reported statements assuring that no injustice would befall Father Cullen and I respectfully request your government's continued monitoring of the case. Father Cullen has served the people particularly women and children, of the Philippines with honor and a sustained commitment.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward
to hearing from you and furthering the goodwill between our nations.
Sincerely Yours,
via fax message, dated
September 28, 2000
