Priest goes on spiritual leave
Fr. Martin Alarcon
"As a priest, I forgive her and all others who made personal attacks and caused me shame and humiliation. And I will continue to pray for them all."
Such were the words of Fr. Martin Alarcon, grateful and relieved after two counts of rape charges lodged against him in March were dismissed.
Subject of harsh media commentaries and news reports months back, Fr. Alarcon said he is "very happy" over the development while adding that he can now finally move on.
As such, he decided to go on an indefinite "spiritual leave" saying he needs time to reflect on everything that happened to him and the devastation caused to his family and friends.
"Nagapasalamat gid ako sa Mahal nga Diyos nga natapos na ang kaso nga ginpasaka batok sa akon. Nagapasalamat man ako sa aton Arzobispo, sa mga utod ko nga kaparian, sa akon pamilya, sa akon abogado, sa akon mga abyan kag sa tanan nga mga tawo nga nagbulig sa ila mga pangamuyo (I thankful for God that the case filed against me is over. And I am thankful too to the Archbishop, my fellow priests, my family, my lawyer and my friends and all others who helped me pray)," Fr. Alarcon in his statement said as he decried the trial by publicity he and his family was subjected to. "Amo ina nga daku gid ang akon pag-antus kag pagbakho, kaupod ang akon pamilya tungod sina. Daw katulad lang nga ginhukman na ako antes pa man nga matul-id gid ang kamatuoran (That is why I suffered greatly and was pained so much along with my family. It was like I was judged even before the truth was heard and presented)."
Asked on particulars regarding the withdrawal of the rape complaints, Fr. Alarcon admitted that a number of persons were involved however he begged off to give specifics.
Fr. Alarcon likewise chose to keep mum on his encounter with the complainant saying he has forgiven her accuser, considers her still a friend and keeps her in his prayers.
The first Catholic priest ever produced by the northern town of Balasan, Fr. Alarcon marks his 4th year of priesthood and was serving the Parish in Carles, Iloilo when the controversy broke out.
The Jaro Archdiocese conducted a separate investigation with a Church Tribunal created. To date no results were released though the development is expected to be addressed by the Church.