MANILA, Philippines - Suspected drug trafficker Kerwin Espinosa has sent surrender feelers, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday.
Dela Rosa said Kerwin sent word that he wanted to surrender after his father, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., had told authorities about his son’s illegal activities.
Dela Rosa said Kerwin is also fearing for his life.
There was no timeline for Kerwin’s planned surrender but if he surfaces, Dela Rosa said the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will take custody and investigate him over his alleged drug trafficking activities.
He said the government hopes to get more information from Kerwin on the scope and extent of illegal drug operations in Eastern Visayas.
“Kerwin knows everything about the drug trafficking operations in the region. He is the direct downline dealer in charge of distribution of illegal drugs in Central Visayas, Cebu and Bohol,” Dela Rosa said.
Kerwin remains in hiding and was reported to have left for Malaysia on June 21.
The elder Espinosa, on the other hand, surrendered on Tuesday after President Duterte threatened to have him “shot on sight” for protecting his drug-dealing son.
A day after his surrender, six of the alleged bodyguards of Espinosa were killed in a shootout with police in their hometown of Albuera.
Espinosa denied the slain gunmen were his bodyguards.
The regional police led by Chief Supt. Elmer Cruz Beltejar said the slain gunmen were part of the private army maintained by the Espinosas.
Beltejar said several witnesses have identified the slain gunmen as among the alleged hit men the Espinosas used to protect their drug trafficking activities as well as to kill political enemies.
“We have strong evidence and witnesses that will directly link Mayor Espinosa in the killing incidents in Albuera, because of illegal drugs and politically motivated activities,” Beltejar said.
He said two workers of the Espinosa family have surfaced and told the police about the illegal activities of the family.
Leyte provincial police director Senior Supt. Franco Simborio said the six slain gunmen were members of the private army of the Espinosas.
“Suspects were all identified as members of the Espinosa drug group alleged headed by Mayor Espinosa and son Kerwin operating in the region,” Simborio said.
Police identified three of the slain suspects as Ricky Gravillo of Barangay Binolho; Teresito Larao Paderangga of Pagadian City and Richard Mato also of Pagadian City.
Police said the Espinosas were maintaining the “family business” of drug trafficking.
Espinosa surrendered to Dela Rosa after he was tagged by the President as among the local officials involved in drug trafficking in the region.
Dela Rosa added Espinosa had been listed in police records as a “drug protector” whose son controlled the regional narcotics trade from their hometown.
Duterte said he has a list of local officials involved in the drug trade and would reveal it soon.
A mayor in Mindanao surfaced yesterday and denied any links to drug trafficking.
Ampatuan, Maguindanao Mayor Rasul Sangki went to regional police director Chief Supt. Agripino Javier to deny the allegations. – Miriam Desacada, John Unson
Source: Philstar
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