Albuera mayoral bet Kerwin Espinosa has refuted claims that the gunshot wounds he sustained during a recent campaign event were self-inflicted, saying the incident has left him fearing for his life.
“Sino naman ang mag-scripted na dito sa dibdib ko ang tama at double action pa ang bala. Nakita niyo naman na malaking butas ang aking braso. Bakit naman scripted?” Espinosa said in a GMA News Online report.
The shooting, which also injured his sister and a minor, happened Thursday while Espinosa was on the campaign trail in Leyte. He pointed out that trust in local law enforcement has eroded, especially after the Philippine National Police identified seven Ormoc-based officers as persons of interest.
“Dahil sa rason ng seguridad ko. Kasi ang involved na mga person of interest, nawalan ako ng tiwala sa mga kapulisan sa Ormoc maliban sa mga matino,” he said.
According to the PNP, the officers are now under their custody, and their firearms have been confiscated. Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office confirmed it is conducting an in-depth investigation.
“Ang buong pwersa ng Leyte Police Provincial Office ay patuloy na nagka-conduct ng in-depth investigation para mahuli na po ang gumawa nito,” said Police Lieutenant Mary Antonette Espino. She noted that the case may be considered an election-related incident.
While Espinosa refrained from naming suspects, he appealed to Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Representative Richard Gomez to investigate the involvement of local police officers.
“Isang malaking tanghaga na may taong naguutos sa kanila na mataas na politician din… Lalong lalo ka na Congressman Richard Gomez sana mabigyan mo ito ng pansin na parang hindi tama. Wala akong binibintangan kung sino,” he said.
When asked if the incident has changed his resolve to testify before the International Criminal Court regarding alleged extrajudicial killings under the previous administration, Espinosa said it has only strengthened his determination.
