Teen mom forgives errant priest, wants to move on

Commission on Human Rights investigator (left) went to the house of the teenage mom berated by Redemptorist priest and offered assistance should they decide to file a case against the priest. But she told them they are no longer pursuing a case as they have forgiven him. (CDN PHOTO/ MARIAN Z. CODILLA)

The 17-year-old mother who was scolded by a priest for having a baby out of wedlock said she has forgiven Fr. Romeo Obach and wants to move on.

The teenager said she wants to resume her college studies and no longer wants to file a complaint after discussing the matter with her family.

A Commission on Human Rights representative visited her at home in Mandaue City today offering to assist in case they decided to take legal action.

“Mu eskwela nako next sem and dili ko ganahan na mahasol ko sa akong pag eskwela. Napasaylo na nako siya. Okay nako na. Pareha mi nakat-on sa nahitabo,” the young mother said as she cradled her newborn son in an interview at home.

(I will go back to school next semester and I don’t want this to burden my studies. I’ve forgiven him.  I’m OK now. We both learned something out of this.)

The teenager’s 37-year-old mother said she advised her daughter to forgive and forget because they place their trust in God (“kay dako ta og pagsalig sa ginoo”).

Mas mulu-ag ang atong kasingkasing og panghuna huna kung makapasaylo ta,” the 37-year-old mom said.

(Our hearts and minds will be lighter if we forgive.)

The matron said she posted the video online to share her painful experience with friends and family, not expecting it to blow up and get so much public attention.

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