PNP Eastern Visayas drafts security plan for Kerwin’s arrival

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 21 (PNA) –- The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here has already laid down their security plan for the arrival of alleged top drug lord in Eastern Visayas Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa, Jr. from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said that even without specific date of Espinosa’s arrival, the police came up with a security plan from Tacloban Airport to Baybay City where he is expected to be detained.

“I think the earliest is one week from now. It also depends on the PNP national headquarters because they also want to interrogate him before bringing him back here,” Beltejar told journalists.

The UAE government is still holding the Espinosa in custody, with the ongoing examination of his travel documents to check whether he violated immigration laws during his stay in Abu Dhabi.

The police regional chief believes that Espinosa will be detained at the Baybay City sub provincial jail as ordered by Judge Carlos Arguelles of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 based in Baybay City.

“I respect the capability of sub provincial jail (to secure Kerwin). If they think they cannot handle the security, they can request for transfer to provincial jail, which is more secured, but we have to respect the decision of the judge,” Beltejar said.

Kerwin, the son of detained Albuera town Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr., has a standing warrant of arrest for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The two cases filed against the father and the son stem from a police raid on the mayor’s house that yielded 11 kilograms of shabu worth PHP88 million, and high-powered firearms. The mayor, who had been under local police custody, was arrested last Oct. 5.

Kerwin’s arrest, according to the PNP, will strengthen evidences against drug personalities and their protectors in the region.

“His testimony is very important for the prosecution of those in the list who received money from illegal drugs. Some cases cannot be filed because of lack of corroborating statement. We build cases depending on the evidence,” Beltejar added.

The Abu Dhabi police and PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) in coordination with the Interpol nabbed Kerwin early dawn on Oct. 17.

The PNP regional office reported that the Espinosa group supplies 30 kg. to 50 kg. of shabu every month in Eastern Visayas and nearby regions during Kerwin’s “heyday.” (PNA)
JMC/SQM