7 cops ‘persons of interest’ in shooting of Espinosa, vice mayoral bet
Metro Manila, Philippines - Seven police officers from Leyte are in custody as persons of interest in the shooting of Kerwin Espinosa and a vice mayoral candidate in Albuera, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed.
“Meron po ngayon na under custody po na pitong pulis at ini-imbestigahan kung may kinalaman po sila sa nangyaring pamamaril kay ginoong Espinosa,” PNP Spokesperson Jean Fajardo said in a Friday briefing.
[Translation: There are currently seven police officers in custody who are being investigated to determine if they are involved in the shooting of Mr. Espinosa.]
Fajardo said authorities are also looking into the possibility of a sniper that targeted Espinosa during his campaign rally last Thursday.
She added that PNP suspects that one of the the seven cops in custody is responsible for the shooting of the self-confessed drug lord turned mayoral bet in Albuera, Leyte
Citing reports of the incident, Fajardo said police followed the gunman to a compound where the seven cops were waiting with the supposed getaway vehicle.
She said the presence of the seven cops, two officers and five non-commissioned officers, was questionable as they were assigned to the Ormoc Police Station.
The alleged getaway vehicle was an SUV which was found to be loaded with firearms that are now under examination.
