Seven police officers, including two officials from Ormoc City, are now under investigation after being found at the same compound where a suspected gunman allegedly fled following the shooting of Albuera, Leyte mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed during a press briefing on Friday at Camp Crame that the officers were taken into custody by the Leyte Police Office after a vehicle linked to Espinosa’s campaign led authorities to a suspicious compound.
“Nasundan ito kaagad… at nung pasukin ‘yun ng mga pulis natin ay doon lumalabas based sa initial information na doon pumunta at tumakbo ‘yung nagpaputok,” Fajardo said, referring to the SUV carrying Espinosa campaign paraphernalia that was seen leaving the shooting scene in Tinag-an village.
Inside the compound, authorities found two other vehicles and encountered the seven officers, raising questions about their presence there. “So sa ngayon ay iniimbestigahan… at under custody ngayon ng Leyte Police Office,” Fajardo added.
She emphasized that the arrested officers must explain why they were in the area, considering they are assigned in Ormoc City and not in Albuera.
As for Espinosa, he was struck by a bullet that pierced through his right chest, also injuring two people standing behind him. Investigators are exploring the possibility that he was targeted by a sniper, as no one was seen directly approaching him during the campaign sortie.
Espinosa, a self-confessed drug personality turned political hopeful, was released from the hospital on Friday. He is running against incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria and Vince Rama.
