Leyte vice gov tags Espinosa narco list as ‘political demolition’

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PNA) -– A top official in Leyte province allegedly included in the drug payola list of slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. said the accusation hurled against him is a political demolition.

“The accusations are political demolition job handled by the most dangerous and biggest criminal syndicate we had to face in the recent years,” said Leyte Vice Governor Carlo P. Loreto.

Loreto said that while President Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown against illegal drugs is serious and high level, the local government units becomes “a convenient smoke screen, scapegoat, and magic mirrors.”

“I am confident that the truth can still be found that we can still get to the bottom of all of this.”

The official welcomed the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and the Philippine National Police.

“Despite the issues as presiding officer and leader of the provincial board, the board are more on their toes and they are more alert,” he added.

Loreto admitted that he is personally affected by the issue because he’s been through worse, however he was more concerned of the reaction of his family and the trauma his children may experience due to the issue.

The issue, according to Loreto, is a “man-made calamity.” Although he already knew who is behind the issue, he said he just hopes that authorities will reach their conclusion without him meddling the investigation.

The mayor, who was killed in raid at the Baybay City sub-provincial jail early this month, is the father of alleged Eastern Visayas’ top drug lord Kerwin Espinosa. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR