ICC Note: On June 15, Philippine police announced they have apprehended the prime suspect in the killing of Father Richmond Villaflor Nilo. The priest was shot on June 10 in front of his parishioners inside the church. The real motive behind the murder is still under investigation.  

06/15/2018 Philippines (UCA News) – Philippine authorities announced on June 15 they have arrested their “prime suspect” in the killing of Father Richmond Villaflor Nilo, the same day his body was laid to rest.

The suspect, identified as Adell Roll Milan, was arrested in San Isidro in Nueva Ecija province a day earlier on June 14.

A witness reportedly identified Milan, an alleged former drug user and hitman, as having shot the priest on June 10.

Authorities said police have also identified the vehicles used by the gunman and his accomplices.

Father Nilo was shot and killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen at a village chapel in the nearby town of Zaragosa while he was about to celebrate Sunday Mass.

He was the third priest and the second in Nueva Ecija province killed in the past six months.

Father Mark Ventura was gunned down after celebrating Mass in Gattaran town, Cagayan province, in April.

Father Marcelito Paez was killed a few hours after assisting the release of a political prisoner in Jaen town, also in Nueva Ecija, last December.

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