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	Speedy Resolution of MP Priest's Rape Case Sought Sun.Star June 25, 2008 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2008/06/25/news/speedy.resolution.of.mp.priest.s.rape.case.sought.html THE Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the rape case filed against a priest assigned in Mountain Province (MP) should be resolved immediately in order to minimize the negative effects it would bring on those who are involved. Bishop Leonardo Medroso, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Canon Law, said the case of Fr. Gabriel Madangeng Jr. of the Sta. Rita Parish Church "is "scandalizing. That's why there is a need that the case be resolved immediately so that we'll know the truth to allegations." Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo He said under the church rules, the bishop of the diocese where the cleric belongs holds the jurisdiction over the case. Bishop Rodolfo Beltran is the one in charge of the Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe, which supervises the Sta. Rita Parish Church. Madangeng has yet to issue statement on the case. Last Monday, Madangeng was charged with a local court for raping a 17-year-old girl inside his convent. Aside from the rape case, the victim also accused the priest of seven counts of indecent assault allegedly committed between August to December 2006. Madangeng is allegedly involved in the victim's scholarship at a local Catholic school. He denied the accusations, saying it is not in his vocation as "a man of cloth" to do such things that would violate his vow. "The charges hurled against me are without basis and false. These are being made by the complainant to mitigate any reaction which her parents would have against her after she was discovered dating a man in Bontoc," he added. This was the second rape case filed against Madangeng, who was also charged with the same offense for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl last year. The rape case is still pending in a local court also in Mountain Province.
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