Cops to divulge ‘exciting’ list of ‘narco officials’ named by Leyte mayor, aides

PALO, Leyte, Sept. 13 (PNA) –- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will soon release an “exciting” list of prominent government officials allegedly protecting the trade of the region’s biggest drug lord, Kerwin Espinosa.

“There are many exciting personalities that are involved. You will be interested to know them. They are prominent,” said PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in a press briefing here Tuesday afternoon.

The police said they will name those in the list after cases are formally lodged at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Kerwin’s father, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa earlier disclosed that among his son’s drug cohorts are several police officers, members of Congress, including a senator. These individuals are listed in the judicial affidavit of the mayor and trusted aides of Kerwin.

They allegedly received payoffs from the Espinosa group, responsible for supplying the region about 30 to 50 kilograms of "shabu" or methamphetamine hydrochloride every month during their heydays.

The list, according to Dela Rosa, is credible since it is supported with statements from witnesses who are “very close” to the younger Espinosa.

“The witnesses voluntarily surrendered and assisted by lawyers. They know how the network operates. The truth hurts to those people implicated.”

Reliable sources from the PNP, who requested for anonymity, revealed that there are 74 government officials tagged as Kerwin’s “protectors.”

On the list are police generals, police senior superintendents, police superintendents, police senior inspectors, police chief inspectors, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency regional director, and police non commissioned officers.

Also listed is a senator, a governor, a vice governor, mayors, vice mayors, village chiefs, six provincial board members, a retired associate justice, lawyers, jail officials, an army official.

Chief Insp. Juvie Espenido of Albuera town said the case will be filed in less than a week now that they’re able to gather a truckload of documents, implicating these government officials into drugs trade.

There are also 154 civilians, who received payoffs, including journalists and influential individuals. (PNA)
LAP/SQM