Kerwin Espinosa, 2 others shot in campaign event

Metro Manila, Philippines - Kerwin Espinosa and two others were shot during a campaign in Albuera, Leyte on Thursday, April 10, the police reported.

Espinosa was a witness in the dismissed drug case of former Senator Leila de Lima. He had recanted his testimony against her.

Police said a gunman shot Espinosa, who is running for mayor, his sister and vice mayoral candidate Mariel Marinay, and a minor in a gymnasium in Barangay Tinag-an at 4:30 p.m.

Based on the report, the suspect hid in the ceiling of the stage when he shot Espinosa, who was seated as he waited for his turn to speak.

The three were rushed to the hospital.

Police said they are hunting down the gunman.

Meanwhile, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia said violence should be condemned.

“The perpetrators must be unmasked and brought to justice immediately. Election is never about killing but is instead the giving of life to our democracy. Ballots not bullets is the answer to our problems,” he told reporters in a message.