MANILA — Authorities have an airtight case against the gunman arrested in the killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija last June 10, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde also doused speculation that the suspect, Adell Roll Milan, is a fall guy and explained that the witness, who positively identified the primary suspect, had been under the protection of priests and had no contact with the police before he named the suspect.
“The Nueva Ecija provincial office has established an airtight case against Milan and other suspects,” the PNP chief said.
“Hindi kagagawan ng nagturo, yung bata sakristan na nagturo sa kanya ay hawak ng mga pari, never na hinawakan ng mga pulis (It is not made up, the altar boy was under the priests and was never identified with the police),” he explained.
The PNP is presently conducting follow up operations against four to five persons who participated in the murder.
Albayalde added that they are still eyeing the three original possible motives in the killing, particularly on the possibility that it stemmed from the help given by the victim to abused minors, his involvement in settling a land dispute and the victim’s possible criticism of other religious groups.
Albayalde also reiterated that the PNP welcomes any report from the religious leaders in connection with threats to their safety, and said they support plans for clergymen to apply for the right to bear arms – so long as they can comply with all regulatory requirements for license to own firearms and permits to carry firearms outside their homes.
Under police rules however, gun owners are not allowed to bring their firearms in public places such as churches. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
