TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – Embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. sought police custody yesterday at the Leyte Police Provincial Office and assured to cooperate with the police in Eastern Visayas to unmask the illegal trade activities of his son, Kerwin Espinosa Jr.
Espinosa made the commitment moments after his lawyer Atty. Rogelio Bato, Jr. was killed in an ambush Tuesday in Tacloban City.
Albuera, Leyte Police Station Commander Chief Inspector Jovie Espinido who accompanied Espinosa said the mayor will confess and divulge names of top Philippine National Police officials and other top government officials linked to the illegal drugs.
Espinido said they will be meeting with the provincial prosecutor of Leyte do determine if Espinosa can qualify to stand as state witness against the illegal drug operations of his son and other involved personalities.
“It is now in the hands of the DoJ officials whether Mayor Espinosa’s confession can qualify him as state witness. We are here to assist and secure him,” said Espinido.
Bato and a grade 9 student identified as Angelica Bonita, 17, were killed when unidentified gunmen peppered the lawyer’s vehicle, a Toyota Hilux pick-up, instantly killing both.
Espinosa’s daughter Mariel said they are no longer safe and their lives are in danger now that their lawyer was killed and they fear that might be the next target for liquidation.
Mariel was quick to point out that only her brother, and not her entire family, is involved in drugs.
(Nestor L. Abrematea)