Leyte ‘narco’ mayor seeks police protection; submits lists of drug protectors

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PNA) – Embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. had sought police protection as he executed an affidavit on Wednesday disclosing names of government officials protecting the illegal drugs trade in Eastern Visayas.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas acting regional director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar clarified that although Espinosa provided them the list, authorities will not use it against the mayor, but rather a “tactical value.”

The PNP invited Espinosa to the Provincial Prosecutors Office in this city on Wednesday for the subscription of the affidavit, which will strengthen the anti-drug campaign.

“This will substantiate the diagram we have on illegal drug operation in Region 8 and neighboring regions,” Beltejar said.

The PNP will still verify the names provided by Espinosa, which consists of politicians, policemen and government officials who are protectors and sources of illegal drugs by the Espinosa group.

New names were included by Mayor Espinosa in the old list that the PNP refuses to divulge.

“I still have to clear from the national headquarters if we need to divulge the names because we are still lacking of corroborating statements,” Beltejar told reporters.

The PNP in the region are still waiting for two to three more personalities to come out and substantiate the affidavit of Espinosa.

“I can consider this (affidavit) substantial for the reason that we discover new names of protectors and connection of Kerwin that we never encountered in any custodial report we had,” Beltejar said.

Kerwin, the alleged top drug lord in Eastern Visayas, is the mayor’s son. He is still at- large despite calls of President Rodrigo Duterte and PNP Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to surrender.

The mayor also applied for witness protection subject for approval of the Department of Justice, 

according to Beltejar.

Espinosa also asked for protective security from Chief Inspector Jovie Espinido, Albuera town police chief. “He feels safer at the police station,” Beltejar said.

If ever the PNP grant the mayor’s request, Beltejar said Espinosa has to abide by certain conditions.

“The mayor should always stay inside the police station and the PNP will never provide security if he wants to go out.”

Espenido welcomed the decision of the town mayor to ask for protective custody. “This will assure us that we can arrest him immediately once a warrant of arrest against him is released by the court.”

The police earlier filed cases against Espinosa for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms. (PNA)

FPV/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR