Balweg pleads not guilty

BANGUED, Abra, Philippines – Captured New People’s Army (NPA) leader Jovencio Balweg Sr. pleaded not guilty to rebellion charges before the regional trial court here (RTC) yesterday morning.

Assisted by human rights lawyer Reynaldo Cortes, Balweg, who was arrested in Baguio City a month ago, was also arraigned for murder and frustrated murder in connection with the killing of his priest-turned-rebel brother Conrado on Dec. 31, 1999.

But Balweg, who was accompanied by his wife Carmen and son and namesake Jovencio Jr., asked the court that the criminal charges be consolidated with the rebellion case he is facing before Judge Corpuz Cristi Alzate of the RTC Branch 2 here. 

“These crimes were supposedly committed as a rebel,” Cortes argued, as Alzate ordered the state prosecutor to consolidate the rebellion, murder and frustrated murder cases into one.

Alzate gave the Abra prosecutor’s office 15 days to consolidate the cases and scheduled a preliminary conference on July 16.

Another NPA leader, Maco Guinnay alias Ka Dangkas, who surrendered to police late last year, also faced the court in connection with Conrado Balweg’s killing. He also pleaded not guilty.

Balweg’s arraignment was a family reunion of sorts, as Senior Superintendent Charlo Collado, Abra police director, sponsored a get-together of Balweg’s relatives at the police headquarters here.

Amid tight security, the rebel leader’s relatives from Malibcong and Luba towns, including some from the Ilocos region, gathered at Camp Villamor, where Balweg, his wife and son were brought after the arraignment.

Balweg said he has to take the charges against him in stride and face them, hinting that he no longer intends to rejoin the underground movement.

This, as Cortes expressed confidence that his client will be acquitted. “Have you seen anyone convicted of rebellion?” he asked.

Collado said it is better for Balweg to stay in Manila where security is tighter, than in Bangued.

“At yun ang gusto niya (And that is what he wants),” he said. “Every time there is a hearing, he will be brought to Abra.”

Balweg is having regular check-ups for hypertension, asthma and other illnesses.