(Updated 3:02 p.m., Sept. 28) John Paul Solano, one of the suspects in the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) freshman law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, has been released from detention at the Manila Police District (MPD) on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the release of Solano from detention, pointing out in a resolution that an inquest is not the proper proceeding to be conducted for the suspect, who surrendered to Senator Panfilo Lacson last week.
An inquest proceeding is a summary investigation conducted by a public prosecutor in criminal cases involving persons arrested and detained without warrant.
“Rest assured I will shed light sa stories sa pagdating ng preliminary investigation…I will prove my innocence for telling the truth,” Solano told reporters after his release.
READ: Solano: I apologize for giving false statement, for the death of Atio
The DOJ has set a preliminary investigation on Oct. 4 and 9.
Solano maintained that he was innocent of the charges against him. He also extended his condolences to the family of Castillo.
Walking out of his holding cell in the MPD Homicide Section at around 1 p.m., Solano was in a visibly high spirit, thanking the police for putting up with him “even though it stressed them out a little.”
“Again I extend my deepest condolences to (Castillo’s) parents,” Solano said. “And also, rest assured I will shed light (on what happened). When it comes to the preliminary investigations, I will tell the truth.”
In a Senate hearing on Monday, Solano said his only involvement with the victim was providing medical assistance on Sept. 17, the morning Castillo was brought to the hospital. He did not regret coming to the scene, however.
“The only thing I regret is being left alone in the hospital,” Solano told the Inquirer. “But I would never regret helping someone out.”
Solano’s lawyer, Paterno Esmaquel, previously thanked the DOJ for its decision to release his client for further investigation.
“Kawawa naman si Solano, one week na siyang di naliligo,” Esmaquel said. Solano’s lawyers have accused police of unlawfully arresting and illegally detaining his client.
Esmaquel added that it would be to Solano’s disadvantage if he were made a state witness, as his credibility and motives would be under attack.
READ: Solano ordered released
Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan told reporters on Wednesday that even if Solano was released from detention, he has not been cleared of any criminal liability. /kga