A Philippine bank employee suspected of creating the “Love Bug” computer virus was temporarily freed yesterday.
Reonel Ramones, 28, who was arrested Monday, was released until officials can examine evidence seized at his apartment.
Ramones has denied any connection to the virus. “What hurts is that I did not do it, and yet they are pinning me down. I am not even fond of the Internet,” he said.
The FBI is trying to decode 10 names found embedded in the virus. The names, which could be pseudonyms for a single person or several people, are believed to be connected to a computer college in Manila where Ramones took courses.
The virus has caused a flood of e-mail with the subject line “ILOVEYOU” to course through computer systems worldwide. When opened, the virus can destroy graphics and other saved files. Damage has already exceeded $5 billion.