The government is considering detained suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa as a potential asset in its crackdown against illegal drugs like his fallen father Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar recognized the young Espinosa’s possible key role in unmasking the “upper echelons of the drug ring” after bewailing the death of the elder Espinosa as a huge loss in the government’s anti-drug efforts.
The mayor, accused of involvement in illegal drug operations in Eastern Visayas, was killed Saturday inside his cell in Leyte in an alleged shootout with policemen. A government probe on the Espinosa slay is now under way amid concerns by some groups that the mayor was a victim of extrajudicial killing.
“We also know that si Kerwin being the son of his father and having, I assume that he has information that is also vital for the government’s investigation sa drug ring dito sa bansa natin, lalong-lalo na ‘yung narco-politics,” Andanar said over government radio.
Andanar acknowledged that it was now imperative to ensure the safety of the young Espinosa after his father was shot dead inside his cell in Leyte.
“We know that the safety of Kerwin is also, will also be jeopardized if ever na, if ever na hindi po na-handle nang husto ‘yung kanyang security,” Andanar said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)