The Diocese of David has confirmed the removal from office of the priest Aristides Rodríguez Otero, indicted on Monday for the charges of libidinous acts and obscene exhibitionism to a minor, in the community of Gualaca, in Chiriqui.

"It is very painful that a member of the clergy is allegedly involved in such acts, absolutely reprehensible and to which we express our zero tolerance," said the diocese.

It  added that this type of incident hurts in the depths of the heart and pastoral sensitivity, especially that the alleged victim was a child under 5 years of age.

"We offer our humble apologies to all and ask for your intense prayer for the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator," the statement said.