PNP chief to Region 8 cops: intensify hunt for Kerwin Espinosa

PALO, Leyte, Sept. 13 (PNA) – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has ordered the police in Eastern Visayas to step up efforts to hunt the region’s suspected top drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

Speaking to key police officers during the 115th police service anniversary on Tuesday, Dela Rosa asked the local police to “chase every corner” of Eastern Visayas to arrest the alleged biggest drug lord in the region.

“No matter how many times he will change his physical appearance, we will arrest him through diligent search. Let us not waste time and let us rid those stones and thorns in these operations,” the PNP chief said.

However, in a press briefing, Dela Rosa disclosed that Kerwin is still hiding in Malaysia. There are no records of Malaysian immigration that he left their country, according to Dela Rosa.

Kerwin reportedly vanished from his hometown in Leyte on June 21, a few days before President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency.

“I just challenged the regional PNP to be alert if in case Kerwin will return to the region,” he added.

The official admitted that he was upset after Kerwin sent surrender feelers to the PNP through his father, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr.

On Aug. 2, the mayor surrendered to the PNP chief, following the President’s surrender call on him and his son for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. With the younger Espinosa’s failure to heed the surrender demand, the mayor left Camp Crame on Aug. 6.

“I’m sure he would die since many people wanted to kill him. How I wish he would fight back and die during police operation to end his illegal drugs operations,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

The PNP regional office reported that the Espinosa group supplies 30 to 50 kilograms of shabu every month in Eastern Visayas and nearby regions during Kerwin’s “heyday.”

“What is important is he’s not anymore doing drug trade in the country. He’s like a dead man walking in Malaysia,” the PNP chief added.

Kerwin had been arrested several times, the last in 2015, but managed to be released each time with the alleged intervention of top police officials, government executives, and court judges. (PNA)
FPV/SARWELL Q. MENIANO