MANILA, Philippines — There is no evidence that any member of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) was involved in the murder of Fr. Richmond Nilo in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija last Sunday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.
“Yes, accordingly Fr. Nilo was a staunch critic of the INC, but there is no evidence yet to link the killing to it,” Albayalde said.
Police investigators have two persons of interest in the investigation of the case.
Albayalde said investigators have analyzed the footage of the closed circuit television cameras in the area that could help shed light on the assassination of Nilo.
Albayalde said Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, Central Luzon police director, and investigators have requested two more days to get more details on the killing of the priest.
Corpus said among the angles being investigated is a land dispute and Nilo’s assistance to a rape victim.
Albayalde went to the wake of Nilo at San Vicente Ferrer parish church to sympathize with the victim’s family and to personally check on the investigation.
Initial investigation showed that two assassins seen riding on a motorcycle stopped at the chapel of Barangay Mayamot in Zaragoza minutes before they gunned down the priest.
Albayalde said the suspects were able to escape after the shooting.
Corpus revealed that the priest was a known supporter of oppressed and aggrieved groups and individuals, especially minors.
Corpus said Nilo had been helping people involved in a land dispute, and that he had received death threats.
Corpus added investigators are closely coordinating with the family of Nilo to get more information that could lead to the killers and masterminds.
Although he maintained that the case was isolated, Albayalde pointed out that the PNP is treating the case seriously.
Aside from coordinating with Nilo’s relatives, Albayalde said forensic experts are also checking the cellular phones of the victim that could lead to the resolution of the case.