BACOLOD CITY – More than 20 parents rushed to Bacolod City Police Station 7 Monday evening to file a complaint against a man who introduced himself as a pastor of the Pentecostal Missionaries Fourth Watch.

According to one of the parents, Joan Rivera, Raul Palma, who introduced himself as a pastor, brought with him more than 20 minors, including her son.

Palma left with the minors at around 6 p.m. and brought them back at around 11 p.m.

Rivera said they were worried about their children and later on found out that the pastor brought the minors to their church in Barangay Alijis.

“We were nervous already since it was getting late and it was raining. He didn’t even ask for our permission,” she added.

However, Palma claimed the minors were even excited to go with him when he told them that he was going to baptize them.

“When I asked them who among them are interested, they raised their hands. They are willing to accept the Lord. When we were on board a vehicle I even told the younger children not to go with us because their parents might scold them but they insisted,” he said.

One of the minors claimed they were pushed to ride a vehicle.

“A lady even pushed me to ride the vehicle and told me that we will be coming back as soon as possible. I was afraid and I was ashamed because they told me to take off my clothes and wear only my underwear,” the minor said.

Authorities said Palma may face charges of coercion in relation to violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, but the parents want to file kidnapping charges against the pastor.

As of this posting, no charges have been filed against Palma.

SOURCE:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/15/14/pastor-trouble-taking-20-minors-baptism