TACLOBAN CITY – Former self-confessed drug lord Roland Kerwin Espinosa vowed to continue his mayoral bid in Albuera, Leyte after surviving an assassination attempt.
Espinosa is now in stable condition after he was shot in the chest at a campaign rally in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte on Thursday, April 10.
Kerwin is running for mayor, while his sister Mariel Espinosa Marinay, who was also hurt during the incident, is his running mate. A girl who attended the rally with her parents was wounded.
“They do not want me to be the mayor of Albuera because it will affect their businesses,” he said in a Facebook live post.
He said that the gunman had been apprehended by the police. However, this information has not been verified by authorities.
Kerwin added that the SUV used as the getaway vehicle was discovered in a house in Barangay Tinag-an.
He remains unfazed by the incident. “Just like what I promised you, I will offer my life for the people of Albuera.”
Kerwin said that he was sent by God back to Albuera to continue the plans of his father to genuinely serve the people.
Earlier, Mariel said the gun attack was meant to silence them.
“Gusto nila kaming patahimikin,” she said.
“Hanggang ngayon, nanginginig pa rin po ako pag naaalala ko ang nangyari kanina. Akala ko po talaga katapusan na namin,” she said.
Reports disclosed that Kerwin was shot from behind by a still unknown assailant during the rally. Police said that he was “an intended target.”
Mariel stated that rather than succumbing to fear, they will continue to fight and serve honestly.
“Alam naming may mga taong ayaw sa amin dahil sa paninindigan namin. Ayaw nila ng katotohanan, ayaw nila ng pagbabago. Gusto nila kaming takutin para tumigil kami sa aming ginagawa.”
She asked for prayers for her older brother.
Their father, Rolando Espinosa Sr., was killed in jail during a police raid months after being elected as mayor of the town in 2016.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia condemned the shooting. He also called for a swift investigation to identify the perpetrator. (Marie Tonette Marticio)
