Catholic priest who was caught driving 13-year-old girl to motel after paying teenage pimp is released on bail

Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos allegedly arranged to meet the minor and her pimp via social media

The girl’s mother allegedly arranged a honeytrap operation with police after the girl opened up to social workers about the abuse (Rizal Province)

A Roman Catholic priest who was arrested with a 13-year-old girl in his car on the way to a motel, has been released on bail, police said.

Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos was arrested as part of a sting by officers in the Phillipine capital of Manila.

He allegedly pulled a gun as officers surrounded him, according to local media reports.

After he was charged with violating anti-trafficking laws, he was stripped of his duties as a parish priest of St John The Baptist Parish and president of Cainta Catholic College.

After he posted bail of P120,000 (£1,825) to secure his release, Senior Superintendent Roger Quesada said they investigating allegations he had already met the girl twice, engaging in sexual intercourse on one occasion

The priest allegedly arranged via social media to meet the minor and a pimp outside a shopping mall, where he reportedly paid around 500 Philippine Pesos (£7.49) to take the girl.

Retired Bishop Oscar Cruz, who is leading the church's investigation into the allegations, confirmed the meeting had been arranged by a pimp.

The girl’s mother allegedly arranged a honeytrap operation with police after the girl opened up to social workers about the abuse.

The department accessed her social media accounts to find out who was selling her to men.

The pimp was a 16-year-old friend of the girl's, according to Rappler.

Bishop Cruz said the findings of the church's investigation will be sent directly to the Vatican and Lagarejos could be kicked out of the church if found guilty.

The Diocese of Antipolo said in a statement: “The Diocese of Antipolo makes it clear that it will not in any way condone or abet the trafficking in persons, particularly of minors, nor protect the offenders from prosecution, and subsequent trial and punishment when evidence so warrants.”