One more Balweg slay suspect freed

BANGUED, Abra — A church worker has been acquitted by the Abra Regional Trial Court of the killing of former rebel priest Conrado Balweg three years ago.

With his release, Clarence Austin got his wish of getting back his freedom and being with his family during the Christmas season.

The provincial prosecutor recommended Austin’s release for insufficiency of evidence linking him to the assassination of Balweg.

Austin, 43 was arrested in his home in Sudipen, La Union at dawn of Aug. 28, 2002. Police showed him a warrant that included six Abra-based New People’s Army guerrillas and 14 Ilocos-based church workers.

Cordillera Human Rights Executive Director Beverly Longid said Austin got the best gift this Christmas — "his freedom."

Austin is now enjoying the warmth of his home with his two children and wife Vangie, after months of stay in the dark and cold detention cell.

Seven of the 14 Ilocos-based church workers, aided by human rights lawyers Reynaldo Cortes, Jose Molintas and Hanzel Duque had since been released from jail after the court found no evidence against them.

Longid urged the Abra prosecutor to also dismiss the charges against the remaining seven church workers detained in jail for the Balweg slay.

"After all, the prosecution has no evidence to speak of against the accused, as shown in past dismissals," Longid said. — Artemio Dumlao