Ecija priest slay suspect released.

It was a case of mistaken identity.

A local court has ordered the release of a suspect in the killing of Catholic priest Richmond Nilo in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. Adell Roll Milan was released at around 11 a.m. yesterday upon the orders of Cabanatuan Regional Trial Court Branch 27 Judge Angelo Perez, according to Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr., Philippine National Police spokesman.

“Milan was released... but again we need to emphasize that this case is not yet closed,” Durana told reporters.

Durana said there are “encouraging developments” related to Nilo’s murder, but refused to elaborate.

“We cannot divulge the details... because it may compromise the ongoing investigation,” he said.

Milan’s counsel Lorenzo Gadon said the prosecutor ’s office filed a motion to withdraw the case due to mistaken identity.

Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus, Central Luzon police director, said it is up to Milan whether to file charges against the police.

“It’s OK with us. It’s his right,” Corpus said.

Gadon had earlier threatened to file charges for illegal detention against the police officers who arrested Milan.

Gadon yesterday said they would no longer file a case as they believe it was a result of the “eagerness” of the police officers to solve the case.

”The police did not do it in bad faith,” Gadon said.

Milan, allegedly a gun-forhire, was arrested in Barangay Malapit, San Isidro four days after Nilo was gunned down on June 10.

A manhunt for five other suspects is underway.

Probers said they are looking at a land dispute, Nilo’s assistance to rape victims and the clergyman’s criticism of other religious sects as possible motives for the killing.

Nilo was shot dead while preparing Sunday night mass at a chapel in Barangay Mayamot.