A CATHOLIC priest in East New Britain who was charged late last year with sexual violations of five schoolboys in Pomio district has been committed to the National Court.
The suspended Catholic priest, Philip Kelera, appeared for mention at the National Court in Kokopo last week and is now waiting a trial.
Kelera, 47, from Malakur ward in Pomio district, was arrested and charged with sexual violations last October.
He was charged with five counts, one count for sexual penetration, two counts of sexual touching and two counts of indecent acts.
He allegedly violated five schoolboys between the ages 11 and 15 on different occasions.
It is understood that after his most recent offence last July, the victim reported to his parents who then reported to police.
Former ENB police commander Chief Supt Sylvester Kalaut reported last year that all offences happened when Kelera was a priest at Guma Catholic parish, White Bay, in the East Pomio area.