BECAUSE JOHN'S CLAIMS WERE TRUE

By Tim Rohr

Readers of this blog will be seeing a lot of "old stuff," as I do the research for my upcoming book:

ORCHESTRATED

How a blog and the laity took down an archbishop and exposed the largest clergy sex abuse scandal, per capita, in the whole Catholic world. 

At least that's the working title for now.

A critical chapter in the book is devoted to John Toves, the first person to accuse Apuron of sexual abuse, not of himself, but of a relative, a close relative.

Why John chose to make his accusation in 2014 is a big part of the story, but you'll have to wait for the book to find out. Meanwhile, though, Toves never really had to prove his accusation. Apuron functionally admitted his guilt by doing the stupidest things in response. 

One of the "stupidest things" was hiring a law firm in California to threaten Toves:

The undersigned has been retained to represent the interests of Archbishop Anthony Apuron of Guam, particularly with respect to the defamatory conduct in which you have recently engaged. This letter serves as a demand to you to immediately cease and desist from making any further defamatory comments or publications against Archbishop Apuron's reputation and character. Your conduct has caused and continues to cause grave harm not only to Archbishop Apuron and the church in Guam but also to the universal Church. 

Your comments and published statements that Archbishop Apuron has engaged in unlawful conduct are patently false, and you have made these comments and published these statements with full knowledge of their falsity. Under California law, it is unlawful to engage in defamation of another's character and reputation, and your defamatory conduct subjects you to significant liability. 

Accordingly, we demand that you immediately cease and desist your unlawful defamation of Archbishop Apuron. If you do not comply with this demand, Archbishop Apuron will have to pursue all available legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages for harm to his reputation and character, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and an order that you pay court costs and attorney's fees. Your liability and exposure under such legal action will be considerable. 

Sincerely, 

Michelle R Neal 

LINK to the PDF

The letterhead for Michelle R Neal's law firm read: "Employment Law Council," and her law firm was located in Sacramento, California. 

We have to wonder if Michelle R. Neal isn't a Neocat. What other reason would Apuron have to retain her to go after John? According to Neal's online bio, she is, in fact, an attorney specializing in employment law in California. 

Michelle R Neal, Lawyer in SACRAMENTO, California | Justia Lawyer Directory

Michelle R Neal is a legal professional specializing in employment law. She has been associated with Employment Law Counsel from 2013 to 2022 and is currently employed by Employment Law Counsel, LLP. Her practice includes areas such as wage and hour issues, independent contractor status, federal and state family leave laws, sexual and other prohibited harassment, personnel policies, preventative employment practices, and wage audits and claims. 

Not only did Neal have no qualifications to threaten John regarding his claims about Apuron, but she also lacked jurisdiction in Guam. Apuron had his own attorney, the late Edward Terlaje. Why didn't Apuron use Terlaje to threaten John? I know why. Terlaje knew John's claims were true. 

By the way, John did not "cease and desist." 

ROMA LOCUTA; CAUSA FINITA EST

This post is dedicated to John Toves, without whose courage nothing would have happened.

http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2019/04/04/0286/00582.html

"the Tribunal of Second Instance upheld the sentence of First Instance finding the Archbishop guilty of delicts against the Sixth Commandment with minors."

ROME HAS SPOKEN; THE CAUSE IS FINISHED

But while Rome has spoken and the Cause is Finished, Apuron isn't.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZopzDlVqLzg3ZNSl48qX67VJXZbasZw3

HELLO? ARCHBISHOP APURON?

On December 20, 2014, John Toves called Archbishop Anthony Apuron. He posted a copy of his conversation of his comment to this blog on the same day. In light of the revelation by Ramon De Plata, let's repost it:

(Toves) "Archbishop Apuron?"

(AAA) "Yes"

(Toves) "This is John Toves from California."

(AAA) (Silence)

(Toves) "How are you?"

(AAA) (mumbled) "Fine."

(Toves) "You said fine?"

(AAA) "Fine."

(Toves) "You have not been listening to the media, or the people?"

(AAA) "I have been staying low."

(Toves) "Why is that?"

(AAA) (Silence)

(Toves) "Archbishop, I will persist in trying to meet with you. I am thoroughly disappointed that you had been unable to meet with me each time."

(AAA) "I am following the advice of my attorney." "I cannot talk to you." "I have to go." (starting to hang up)

(Toves) "I know about Chalan Pago."

(AAA) (breathing heavier)

(Toves) "I know about you and Father Tony Cruz, and the altar boys." "I have met with persons directly involved."

(AAA) (still heavier breathing) (hangs up) (beep, beep, beep, beep)

A few days later, wanting to wish Apuron a "Merry Christmas" on Christmas Eve, Toves sent Apuron this:

NOTE TO HON: AS THE CHURCH GOES SO GOES THE WORLD.

To date, the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese of Agana, now headed by Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, has threatened legal action against the laity at least SIX TIMES. (Actually there are several more but this is all I had time for to pull up out of my files.)

NOVEMBER 28, 2014: "...defending the Church compels me to file a suit for defamation." 

-Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron. Statement re allegations by John C. Toves

https://www.scribd.com/document/317882757/2014-11-28-Apuron-Threatens-to-Sue-Toves

NOVEMBER 30, 2014: "...defending the Church compels me to file a suit for defamation." 

- Anthony S. Apuron. November 30, 2014. Sunday homily at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Fiesta Mass

https://soundcloud.com/junglewatch-info/apuron-at-our-lady-of-the-blessed-sacrament-fiesta-mass

DECEMBER 05, 2014: "...you are hereby notified that any demands for an appointment or attempts to…confront the Archbishop on Chancery grounds or elsewhere will be responded to appropriately and in accordance with the law." 

- Msgr. David C. Quitugua, Vicar General Archdiocese of Agana, to John C. Toves, threatening to call the police on Toves

https://www.scribd.com/doc/249241886/Letter-to-Toves-From-Vicar-General-Dec-5-2014

JULY 5, 2015: "If you do not comply with this demand, Archbishop Apuron will have to pursue all available legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages for harm to his reputation and character, punitive damages, injunctive relief and an order that you pay court costs and attorney's fees. Your liability and exposure under such legal action will be considerable."

- Michelle R. Neal. Attorney for Anthony S. Apuron. Letter addressed to John Toves. 

https://www.scribd.com/document/317882036/20150714-Letter-To-John-Toves-From-Employment-Law-Council-to-Toves

MAY 13, 2016: "...the Archdiocese of Agana is in the process of taking canonical measures with the Sacra Rota – the competent canonical tribunal – and filing civil lawsuit against those perpetrating these malicious lies." 

- Fr. Edivaldo da Silva Oliveira. Archdiocese of Agana, Media Relations. Media Release threatening CCOG and Tim Rohr

https://www.scribd.com/document/317865438/2016-05-13-Archdiocese-of-Agana-Media-Release-Campaign-of-Vicious-Attacks-Copy

MAY 31, 2016: "...the Archdiocese of Agana is in the process of taking canonical and legal measures against those perpetrating these malicious lies."

- Fr. Edivaldo da Silva Oliveira. Archdiocese of Agana, Media Relations. Media Release threatening Doris Concepcion and Tim Rohr

https://www.scribd.com/document/317865417/2016-05-31-Archdiocese-of-Agana-Media-Release-Against-Doris-Copy

Yet, in today's Archdiocesan newspaper, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, Apostolic Administrator for this same archdiocese, presumes to lecture us on how it is "Modern societies" which have "sharpened the tools of the law" and have led us to the "belief that wrongdoings can be solved simply by lawsuits..." 

Hon's words are so typical of a church bureaucrat steeped in clericalism and infatuated with his own power: blame the people, blame the laity, blame "modern society" blame the world. 

The civil case filed by Lujan and Wolff in behalf of Quintanilla, Concepcion, Denton, and Sondia, was the FIRST and only action by any member of the laity to respond with these so-called "sharpened tools" to the multiple threats coming from Hon's own chancery. 

As the Church goes, so goes the world, Hon. And here you have led by example. By not condemning the actions and accusations against the laity by members of the clergy over whom (as you say) you have "the power," you align yourself with them and their threats. 

You're a fake, Hon. A FAKE. 

ENJOY THIS OLD CLASSIC. ARCHBISHOP HON, GET THE POPCORN! LOL!

KUAM.com-KUAM News: On Air. Online. On Demand.

APURON VS TOVES - CONTINUED

Archbishop Apuron isn’t a shepherd to the people
http://www.guampdn.com/story/opinion/2015/11/12/voice-people/75624184/

This will be your Church: The Archdiocese of Apuron. It is your choice. You must do something!

APURON VS ROHR. APURON VS TOVES.

I have to admit that even after all the unbelievable things we have seen this bishop and his bullies say and do, I really couldn't believe he would stoop so low as to hire an attorney to shut up John Toves. 

TOVES: COME AND GET ME

John Toves. New You Tube message.

TOVES MAKES ACCUSATIONS PUBLIC IN THE MARIANAS VARIETY

Standing by allegations against the archbishop

THE AGAT BOY(S)

John Toves called Patti Arroyo this morning, repeated his allegations against Apuron, and invited Apuron to sue him. 

APURON VS. TOVES - IT BEGINS

APURON'S ATTORNEY TO JOHN TOVES: "...we demand that you cease and desist your unlawful defamation of Archbishop Apuron. If you do not comply with this demand, Archbishop Apuron will have to pursue all available legal remedies..."

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ADRIAN

In my post COMPLETE INCOMPETENCE and MUCH TO WEEP ABOUT, I recount the words of Fr. Jeff San Nicolas regarding the FD chapel name change:

YOUR MOVE, ARCHBISHOP...OR ARE YOU GOING TO BLINK?

On July 5, 2015, Archbishop Apuron had California attorney, Michelle R. Neal, write John Toves:

GO AHEAD, ARCHBISHOP. PROCEED.

Now that Apuron is officially threatening to sue John Toves for defamation, let us recall Apuron's own defamation of Fr. Paul Gofigan.

In October of 2013, at a diocesan retreat in Tagaytay, Philippines, Archbishop Apuron, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana, in front of approximately thirty members of the clergy who had gathered thinking they were to be addressed by their chief shepherd on spiritual matters, instead were treated to Apuron's harlequin narration of what sounds like orgiastic homosexual night-long trysts complete with "cases of beer and what not" and even a secret stairway:

SERIOUSLY, ARCHBISHOP. CALL ME NEXT TIME!

Archbishop retains stateside lawyer, demands end to harassment

http://www.kuam.com/global/story.asp?s=29569791

Oh dear, dear, dear Archbishop. Truly. You should call me before you do these things. I never cease to be amazed at the astounding inadequacy of your advisors. (Or maybe they really are trying to get you into trouble?? Hmm. Imagine that!)

Don't you see? There was no need to threaten poor little Mr. Toves with a big bad letter from a big bad lawyer who you probably paid with our big bad money. I mean, seriously. Mr. Toves had already marginalized himself. 

CHANCERY-GATE

from John Charles Ada Toves "Typhoon"

ARCHBISHOP ANTHONY S. APURON:  You and ALL on the Hill Are Going Down!!!

You did your little dig at me two days ago by having someone call in on the Jess Lujan show.  Your No-Name little person did quite an amateurish job in trying to discredit me.  (I thought I did that well all on my own.)  My belief has always been that people will themselves choose what to believe and what not to believe.  So, it will always be in their hands.  I had responded to the Jess Lujan Show and also to the Ray Gibson Show.  Your "little person" asserted:

JOHN CHARLES TOVES: CALL TO ACTION

John Toves can be reached at johncharlestoves@gmail.com or 415-812-9065. 

Note: Neither I nor the CCOG are calling for any public action. As before, I am permitting Mr. Toves to use this blog to share his message. Also, while Mr. Toves notes that the location and times of the meetings will be posted on this blog, I am not privy to that information. However, it shouldn't be too hard to find out for those who wish to respond to Mr. Toves' call.

UPDATE: I have heard that most of the meetings will occur at the Carmelite monastery in Tamuning. There should be no problem with people quietly praying there. However, please note that it is a private neighborhood. Meanwhile, you can still send any communications to the Nuncio and the office of the Secretary for the Congregation to the addresses noted under the Contact Nuncio tab. 

FROM JOHN TOVES TO AAA (EDITED)

Posted at the request of John Toves with my edits. There is no new information. Mr. Toves continues his attempt to confront AAA on what he believes was the sexual molestation of his relative. 

John Toves <johncharlestoves@gmail.com> Dec 24, 2014
to Archbishop,

Hello Archbishop!

I hope this finds you in excellent health and spirits!

I guess you changed your cell phone number, so I am disappointed not being able to hear your wonderful voice.  "All good gifts around me.  Are sent from heaven above.  So thank the Lord, Oh thank the Lord, for all his love."  You sang that so beautifully then when I was thirteen years old!

Did you really accompany my relative from Guam on his way to St. Joseph's Seminary?  That was very nice of you, as I know you both XXXX in the cathedral rectory.

Ok, I didn't have the opportunity to ask you one more question about Chalan Pago, Father XXXXX, and the altar boys.  I think we got disconnected, or you hung up, or something.  I know you spent time with Father XXXX and time with the altar boys in XXXXX.  But, did you really allow them to dip into the church donation baskets  to "take whatever they wanted"?  I don't think that is right.  Would you be so kind as to clarify that for me?  I will be seeing you at mass and maybe you can tell me then.

I would also like to ask how you intend to get out of all this mess?  Maybe you can send me your new cell phone number so we can talk again.  Hopefully there won't be a signal problem.  "Can you hear me now...Can you hear me now?"

A most excellent holiday to you and I'll be seeing you!  

John Charles Toves

TOVES CALLS APURON

1. 
   
   John C. "Typhoon Toves"December 20, 2014 at 4:48 PM

   I just spoke directly with Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron. (Phone records will prove the conversation.)
   
   The conversation went as follows:
   
   (Toves) "Archbishop Apuron?"
   
   (AAA) "Yes"
   
   (Toves) "This is John Toves from California."
   
   (AAA) (Silence)
   
   (Toves) "How are you?"
   
   (AAA) (mumbled) "Fine."
   
   (Toves) "You said fine?"
   
   (AAA) "Fine."
   
   (Toves) "You have not been listening to the media, or the people?"
   
   (AAA) "I have been staying low."
   
   (Toves) "Why is that?"
   
   (AAA) (Silence)
   
   (Toves) "Archbishop, I will persist in trying to meet with you. I am thoroughly disappointed that you had been unable to meet with me each time."
   
   (AAA) "I am following the advice of my attorney." "I cannot talk to you." "I have to go." (starting to hang up)
   
   (Toves) "I know about Chalan Pago."
   
   (AAA) (breathing heavier)
   
   (Toves) "I know about you and Father Tony Cruz, and the altar boys." "I have met with persons directly involved."
   
   (AAA) (still heavier breathing) (hangs up) (beep, beep, beep, beep)
   
   
   I am sure he will change his number tomorrow, or, just have my number blocked.
   
   BASTA! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! HE MUST STEP DOWN! CRISTOBAL AND QUITUGUA MUST STEP DOWN! THE NEOCATECHUMAL FORCES MUST BE CHASED AWAY!
   
   My Dear Lady, pray for them and pray for us!

APURON DOESN'T NEED BODY GUARDS

AnonymousDecember 14, 2014 at 9:33 AM

>"I guess you confuse, revealing the truth, unveiling the lies as being attacks"

That's hardly the case. The problem with interpreting absolutely everything AAA does in the worst way possible (ie. having protection when he feels that his person is being threatened) is that it dilutes the valid and reasonable criticisms people have of AAA.

Criticizing men dressed in black and khaki hardly seems important. What truth is revealed in doing so?


>"We know the problem the Church is facing, it is called the NCW and its endless procession of lies and deceit. What is there to discuss?"

There are many wonderful people in the NCW, even Tim concedes this. Their goal is to move closer to God. Isn't the the stated goal of Christianity?

If you take the stance that there can be no more discussion and thus no room for reasoning - even with these people of good intention - then the harm to the Church may be far worse than you imagine.

The danger I see is that so many people are taking pleasure in the fight itself. There are many wonderful people who will be harmed, however this drama plays out.



"To hide amongst the bodyguards while walking behind the Karosa shows his fear and his unending doubt that the Santa Marian Kamalen would not protect him. "

Jump off a cliff and pray to Santa Marian Kamalen to protect. Having faith doesn't mean you should go out and do something stupid. It's this sort of petty criticism that distracts from the valid ones.

"Didn't the Lord say, " Do not be afraid for I am with you always?""

Jump off a plane without a parachute and report back to us about fear, faith, and leaving absolutely everything up to Santa Marian Kamalen. Faith is a wonderful thing, however it may not mean what you think it means.

Delete

TimDecember 15, 2014 at 6:30 AM

December 14 at 9:33

You say: The problem with interpreting absolutely everything AAA does in the worst way possible (ie. having protection when he feels that his person is being threatened) is that it dilutes the valid and reasonable criticisms people have of AAA.

I say: Why does AAA feel “that his person is being threatened”? Threatened by whom? Why did he remain cowering in his office when John Toves went to see him? Why did he not just come out and calmly confront John Toves and say that John Toves was wrong, that he never touched his relative? Why has AAA never even proclaimed his innocence to the rest of us? AAA is being threatened by THE TRUTH and no amount of bodyguards will protect him from that.

You say: There are many wonderful people in the NCW, even Tim concedes this. Their goal is to move closer to God. Isn't the the stated goal of Christianity?

I say: I have always made a distinction between those who joined the NCW for the right reasons and the Kiko’s. Sadly the good people in the NCW are even greater victims than the rest of us. They are the ones that are most lied to and most abused by the NCW leadership. The biggest lie is that “the liturgy has been approved”, referring to the NCW liturgy. It’s a lie Apuron tells all the time and its a lie that he tells every time he celebrates his NCW “eucharist”.

You say: If you take the stance that there can be no more discussion and thus no room for reasoning - even with these people of good intention - then the harm to the Church may be far worse than you imagine. The danger I see is that so many people are taking pleasure in the fight itself. There are many wonderful people who will be harmed, however this drama plays out.

I say: And yes, and how sad it is that Apuron has not taken the leadership and publicly shown us that what we believe to be your insistent disobedience to Rome is only our imaginings. He could put this whole thing to rest with a public statement and posting the “approval” in the U Matuna. We would have nothing. This all would have been silenced long ago. But he won’t because he can’t. Because he’s lying. AGAIN. There is no pleasure in this fight. The “harm to the Church” is what you have brought to it and what Apuron has allowed to continue. How sick to believe that we who stand up against lies and error and Apuron’s bullying are the problem. Sick.

You say: Jump off a cliff and pray to Santa Marian Kamalen to protect. Having faith doesn't mean you should go out and do something stupid. It's this sort of petty criticism that distracts from the valid ones.

I say: Ah yes, now you reveal yourself. You have no argument for AAA. You make jumping off a cliff and praying for protection (the sin of presumption) to simply walking in a procession. If Apuron felt truly threatened then he should have had real guards, not pretend ones. But no, he did not want real guards, he wanted to make a show. He wanted to show how he is the persecuted one. Narcissist that he is, he wanted the procession to be all about him.

Apuron does not need bodyguards, he needs soul-guards.