Leyte official lauds ‘narco’ mayor’s surrender

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PNA) -- A top official in Leyte province said the move of Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa to surface at the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters showed his respect for the law.

Leyte vice-governor Carlo Loreto hoped that despite the negative news about someone from Leyte being dragged into the limelight due to drug issues, he is banking on the positivity of the report that somebody from the province respects the law and surrendered to the authorities.

The official made the statement after Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa presented himself to PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, beating the 24-hour ultimatum set by President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The majesty of the law stands supreme," said Loreto.

He said that the report did not come as a shock to them since it’s an open secret that the mayor’s son, Kerwin, is an alleged drug lord. "So this is not new for Leyte, it was just sad that we are in the headline in a negative sense."

Loreto added that what came out good with the situation is the fact that criminals, drug lords, and pushers are the ones who are afraid of the law and not the ordinary people afraid of criminals.

With these developments, Loreto saw the need to sustain anti-drug war efforts.

Recently, the provincial board passed a resolution commending the leadership of police provincial director Sr. Supt. Franco Simborio as well Palompon town police after they were able to arrest four big drug dealers in the province. (PNA)
PGL/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR