Malacañang said yesterday that a thorough investigation is now being conducted by the Philippine National Police on the death of detained Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also said Espinosa’s death was “unfortunate.”
“The death of Albuera Mayor Espinosa is unfortunate. Investigation is now ongoing but initial reports indicate that the former mayor was killed while being served a search warrant,” Andanar said.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella declined to give comments pending the ongoing investigation.
“Right now it’s really under investigation so wala po tayong actual na komentaryo patungkol diyan. Wala po tayong ma-ano pero ang ano po is masasabi natin is right now it’s under investigation po,” Abella said over State-run Radyo ng Bayan.
Based on a report by the PNP, operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas figured in shootout with Espinosa and another inmate, Raul Yap, inside the Leyte sub-provincial jail in Barangay Hipusngo, Baybay City, Leyte at around 4 a.m. yesterday.
The PNP said a CIDG team led by Chief Insp. Leo Laraga were on a mission to implement a search warrant for firearms and illegal drugs against the two inmates when a brief shootout occurred between the raiding team and the inmates. (Elena L. Aben)
