Priest Convicted of R*ping Minor Inside Church Compound
PRIEST – A case that sent shockwaves through the religious community has reached its conclusion after a Baguio court convicted a Catholic priest of r&ping a minor.
A Roman Catholic priest has been convicted by a regional court in Baguio City on three counts of r&pe involving a minor and sentenced to the maximum penalty of up to 40 years imprisonment for each count.
Court records show that on Wednesday, December 17, the Baguio City Regional Trial Court found Father Mark Batolne guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for the r&pe of a 16-year-old student scholar. The court ordered his immediate transfer to the national penitentiary following the promulgation of the decision.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court directed Batolne to pay the victim P75,000 in civil damages, P75,000 in moral damages, and P75,000 in exemplary damages for every count of r&pe. These amounts will earn an interest rate of six percent per year from the time the ruling becomes final until fully settled.
The cases arose from allegations that the abuse occurred in March 2023 inside the Bishop’s house compound in Baguio City, where the teenage victim was residing at the time as a church scholar. Prosecutors said the assaults were committed through force and intimidation, emphasizing that the priest took advantage of his position of authority and trust. Two of the charges also cited the alleged use of a deadly weapon.
Batolne, who belonged to the Diocese of Baguio and previously held senior administrative roles, consistently denied the accusations. He entered a plea of not guilty and presented an alibi and several witnesses in an attempt to refute the claims.
However, in sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for each offense, the court ruled that the prosecution successfully established all elements of the crimes. The judge gave full credence to the testimony of the complainant and dismissed the defenses raised by the accused as insufficient.
Reclusion perpetua carries a prison term of 20 years and one day up to 40 years under the Revised Penal Code and is imposed for the most serious criminal offenses.
Following the verdict, the victim released an emotional statement expressing relief and gratitude: “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.”
Batolne was represented by lawyer Ma. Concepcion Castro-Santiago, while the prosecution team included public and private lawyers Don Immanuel V.C. Vergara, Jose Adrian Bonifacio, and Victoria Dines.
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