A resident of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, was sentenced yesterday to a maximum of 42 years imprisonment for raping a minor three years ago in southern Negros.

Joel Mariñas, alias Kokoy, who was charged with six counts of rape for the molestation of a 15-year-old on March 7 and June 13, 2003 in Cauayan, pleaded guilty to the offense, court records show.

Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles meted the penalty of imprisonment for a maximum of seven years for each count of rape, to Mariñas, or the equivalent of 42 years. Arles said Mariñas, assisted by his counsel, Jesus Garrucha Jr., pleaded guilty to the offense during the arraignment of his case in court.

He added the Court apprised Mariñas of the consequences of his plea of guilty, and it was voluntary on his part, not made through threats, intimidation, or induced by any prize or reward.

Arles, however, archived a similar case filed against Fritzel Bedanio, a companion of Mariñas in the commission of the crime.

Arles also ordered the immediate remittance of Mariñas to the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa.*GPB

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