TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) has called on the public to refrain from speculating on the recent shooting of self-confessed drug lord and Albuera mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa.
In a statement released on Monday, LPPO director Col. Dionisio Apas, Jr. emphasized that authorities are actively investigating the April 10 shooting incident, urging the public to cooperate with the ongoing probe.
“We call on the public to support the investigation by avoiding speculation that could hinder the process. Community cooperation and vigilance are vital in ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the proceedings,” Apas said.
Espinosa was shot and wounded while campaigning in Barangay Tinag-an. His supporters believe the attack was politically motivated, citing Espinosa’s involvement in the mayoral race against incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria and Vince Rama, who is the brother-in-law of Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez.
Espinosa has expressed his support for the candidacy of former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Vicente Veloso III, who is challenging Gomez’s reelection bid.
Espinosa has raised concerns about the presence of seven Ormoc City police officers at a compound where the suspect sought refuge after the shooting. However, Rep. Richard Gomez dismissed these claims as false, stating that there was no hot pursuit as Espinosa alleged. Instead, he said, Albuera police officers had entered a private beach resort where the Ormoc City officers were dining.
Espinosa also questioned why the seven officers had not been brought before the Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings on April 11.
In response, Col. Apas clarified that the officers were not eligible for inquest proceedings due to the lack of direct evidence and eyewitnesses linking them to the crime scene.
Forensic examination results are expected to be released on Monday, which could provide additional insights into the case.
