A Roman Catholic priest in Baguio City has been sentenced to 120 years in prison after being found guilty of three counts of rape involving a 16-year-old student, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Baguio announced.

Judge Modesto Bahul Jr. of RTC Branch 2, Family Court, ruled that Fr. Mark Batolne was guilty beyond reasonable doubt. He was ordered transferred to the New Bilibid Prison and mandated to pay the victim ₱75,000 each in civil, moral, and exemplary damages per count, with 6% annual interest until fully paid.

The case stems from allegations in March 2023, when the victim, a student scholar, was reportedly assaulted inside the Bishop House compound in Baguio City, where she resided.

Prosecutors stated that Batolne abused his position of authority, using force, intimidation, and even deadly weapons in two of the cases.

Batolne, who holds a senior administrative position in the Diocese of Baguio, pleaded not guilty and presented alibis in his defense.

The court handed down reclusion perpetua (40 years) for each count of rape, totaling 120 years in imprisonment.