TACLOBAN
CITY, Aug. 4 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing to file
cases against Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. initially for
drug-related activities and murder.
PNP Eastern
Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said they have been
gathering pieces of evidence that link the mayor to the previous killings
perpetrated by the Espinosa group.
“We are
building a tight case against them. There are many willing witnesses coming out
providing vital information unlike in the past where people are scared to
testify,” Beltejar said.
The band of
private armed group is allegedly led by the mayor and his son, Rolando, Jr.
known as Kerwin, a top drug lord in Eastern Visayas.
At least six
of them were killed during an encounter with the police early Wednesday
morning.
The police
identified those killed in shootout as Ricky Gravillo of Albuera, Teresito Laro
Paderanga of Zamboanga del Sur, Richard Mato of Zamboanga del Sur, an alias
Tatay from Mindanao, an alias Arman from Mindanao, and one unidentified
bodyguard.
“They were
hired as liquidation squad to execute the murder of enemies of Espinosa, secure
the father during the campaign,” Beltejar added.
The armed
group is reportedly behind the killings of the town’s former police chief, a
newly-elected town councilor and a police asset. These killings took place
between May to July this year.
On Thursday,
the police regional office presented to the media some 21 assorted long
firearms, 16 short firearms, hand grenade, and ammunitions recovered after the
fire fight, buy-bust operation and some were turned over by alleged members of
the Espinosa group who surrendered to authorities.
The police
recovered these firearms between July 28 until Wednesday midnight.
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO
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