Police eye filing 3rd batch of raps vs. officials upon Kerwin's return

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 25 -- With the expected homecoming of Rolando "Kerwin" Espinosa, Jr., the region's biggest drug lord, the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here is eyeing to file the third batch of cases to government officials who are in the drug group's payola list.

PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said the third round of filing raps have been put on hold due to "lack of corroborating evidences."

"If Kerwin opts to sing a song and name names, we can file more cases to his alleged protectors," Beltejar told journalists.

The PNP earlier filed cases against police officials, private individuals, media practitioners, and politicians who are on the payola list as disclosed by Kerwin’s father, Albuera town Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr., and their trusted aide.

Meanwhile, the police regional chief said they are ready for the younger Espinosa's return with the security plan in place for his arrival.

"We are waiting for his return because authorities in Abu Dhabi also wanted to conduct their investigation as to who cuddled Espinosa as well as his activities in their country," he said.

Espinosa is considered a top Asian triad and the biggest drug lord in Eastern Visayas. Upon his escape from the Philippines, he went to Malaysia, Hongkong and to the United Arab Emirates capital where he was arrested.

The return of Espinosa to the region will also depend on the national headquarters for they also want to interview him or "get custodial report" for some vital information, according to Beltejar.

The local police has prepared the security plan for Kerwin’s arrival at the Tacloban Airport and his transport to Baybay City where he will be jailed.

An arrest warrant against the younger Espinosa had been issued by Judge Carlos Arguelles of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 14 based in Baybay City for charges on illegal possession of firearms and illicit drugs.

His father has been detained at the Leyte sub-provincial jail since Oct. 5 to the same cases filed against the son. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR