Filipino bishops issued a response to the sexual abuse allegations of minors.

This after United States-based watchdog BishopAccountability.org claimed that 82 priests and brothers with ties to the Philippines have been publicly accused of sexually abusing minors.

The list of 82 clerics, the organization said, "is the tip of the iceberg."

"It's a fraction of the total number of accused clerics who would be known if Philippine church leaders were required to report sexual abuse to law enforcement, if its legal system made it easier for victims to file civil claims against complicit church leaders, if clergy sex abuse victims were more broadly supported, or if dioceses and religious orders were investigated by prosecutors or state commissions," the watchdog noted.

Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said that two alleged suspects included in the list are on administrative leave and are not currently engaged in any ministerial duties.

Alminaza also noted that the cases are still under "ecclesiastical review" by its Diocesan Safeguarding office, and vowed to cooperate with civil authorities and the Philippine Courts to ensure a fair and just process.

"Both institutional processes are being carried out to protect the victims and implement proper disciplinary sanctions with the accused," the bishop said.

"The aforesaid clergy are within the Diocese because our church institution is committed to properly monitoring and assuring that no one escapes accountability to legal and ecclesiastical sanctions," he added.

Alminaza also assured Catholic faithful that the Church is "following the established protocols for the protection of minors, upholding due process for the accused, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims."

He also encouraged those who may have been affected by the allegations to come forward to report a similar instance of abuse.

For his part, Archbishop of Cebu Jose Palma acknowledged that the allegations have wounded "the very fabric of our faith life and community and cause irreparable damage to the lives of the victims that can scar them for life."

"As we continue to confront these painful realities, we continue to invite the faithful to accompany her ministers with prayers and to help in the vigilance of creating and fostering safe spaces in the Church most especially for the most vulnerable on her members," Palma said.

The prelate said the recent release of the list stressed the need to make the Archdiocese of Cebu 100 percent "compliant to all the necessary measures needed to embody the holiness and compassion that Christ call us all to live out."

Palma also confirmed that of the names listed, only three names are identified as incardinated in the archiocese and have already been re-integrated in active ministry because "they have gone through the required legal and canonical processes in the past" and have been determined as fit to return to active ministry "with continued guidance and supervision."

Meanwhile, he added that one priest is currently in Cebu but was incardinated in another diocese.

"His presence in Cebu was intended to facilitate an ongoing renewal program that was required of him by his diocesan bishop," he continued.

"He has been fully cooperative with both civil and ecclesiastical authorities that are overseeing his situation," he added.

Moreover, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Cardinal Pablo David said the Church is a "human institution" and "not exempt from sin and corruption."

"We welcome initiatives intended to hold people in whatever form of authority accountable, including the Church," David added.