BAGUIO, Philippines – A regional court in Baguio City on Wednesday, December 17, convicted a Roman Catholic priest on three counts of rape and sentenced him to up to 40 years in prison on each count, court documents showed.

The Baguio City Regional Trial Court found Father Mark Batolne guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and ordered his transfer to the national penitentiary. The court also ordered him to pay the victim P75,000 in civil damages, P75,000 in moral damages and P75,000 in exemplary damages for each count, with interest of 6% per year from the time the ruling becomes final until fully paid.

The cases stemmed from allegations that Batolne raped a 16-year-old student scholar in March 2023 inside the Bishop’s house compound in Baguio City, where she was staying at that time.

Prosecutors said the assaults were carried out through force and intimidation, and that Batolne abused his position of authority. 

Two of the charges also alleged the use of a deadly weapon.

Batolne, a priest of the Diocese of Baguio who held senior administrative posts at the time, pleaded not guilty and denied the accusations, presenting an alibi and witnesses in his defense.

In sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for each count of rape, the court said the prosecution proved all elements of the crimes, giving weight to the complainant’s testimony and rejecting the defense.

Reclusion perpetua is a prison sentence of 20 years and one day up to 40 years, imposed for serious crimes under the Revised Penal Code.

After the verdict was handed down, the victim released a statement (translated from Ilocano): “Many did not believe me but I’m happy that the court listened to me. I’m grateful to all who gave me support in this case like my parents, the social workers and my lawyers who fought for me for free. I am now free from worries and I hope I can start something new with my life now that this case is over.”

The priest was defended by lawyer Ma. Concepcion Castro-Santiago, while the prosecution included public and private lawyers Don Immanuel V.C. Vergara, Jose Adrian Bonifacio, and Victoria Dines. – Rappler.com