Plaintiffs in the $2 million defamation suit against the Archdiocese of Agana and Archbishop Anthony Apuron have responded to defense's motion to dismiss. According to filings by Attorney David Lujan, there's a valid claim for slander.

"The defamatory nature of the defendants' statements is highlighted by the continual exertion of church status and authority to influence the public, and specifically Catholics on Guam (a predominant population) to turn against the plaintiffs," the lawyer wrote.

The listed plaintiffs are all alleged victims of Apuron - Roy Quintanilla, Walter Denton, Roland Sondia and Doris Concepcion on behalf of her late son Joseph "Sonny" Quinata. As we reported, defense's motion to dismiss called the defamation suit unusual as it was sparked by print ads paid for by the Concerned Catholics of Guam organization.

Defense also alleges the archdiocese publicly recanted and retracted Apuron's statements.