Ormoc: Seven police officers are facing charges for carrying unauthorized firearms, contributing to the ongoing investigation into the shooting of Kerwin Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord and mayoralty candidate in Albuera, Leyte. These charges stem from violations of the election gun ban, a measure intended to ensure public safety during the election period.
According to Philippine News Agency, Leyte police provincial director Col. Dionisio Apas revealed that only five out of 14 firearms surrendered by the officers were officially issued. The remaining firearms included those owned by civilians and unregistered weapons, leading to their categorization as loose firearms. Complaints have been filed against the officers under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and the election gun ban. Apas informed reporters that the charges primarily focus on the lack of registration and permission for carrying these firearms during the election period.
The firearms in question include six 5.56 caliber rifles, two .45 caliber pistols, a Mini Uzi submachine gun, and five 9mm pistols. Among these, the loose firearms specifically include five 5.56 caliber rifles, two .45 caliber pistols, and the Mini Uzi submachine gun. The investigation identified one 5.56 caliber rifle registered to a civilian, while the five 9mm pistols were validated as officially issued weapons.
Despite forensic examinations indicating that all firearms were operational, with gunpowder residue present, paraffin tests on the officers showed no traces of gunpowder residue on their hands or clothing. This aspect of the investigation remains under scrutiny as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Espinosa was shot during a campaign event in Tinag-an village on April 10, and seven officers in civilian attire were subsequently arrested in connection to the incident. These officers, including ranks from a police colonel to a patrolwoman, are currently in custody at the Eastern Visayas police regional office in Palo, Leyte.
Col. Apas explained that the officers were in the area to serve a warrant of arrest in a nearby village, coinciding with Espinosa's campaign activity. Investigators continue to explore various motives for the shooting, examining evidence to identify credible leads. Espinosa's supporters suggest political motivations, highlighting his opponent Vince Rama's familial ties to influential local officials. As the election race intensifies, Espinosa's backing of former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Vicente Veloso III adds another layer to the political dynamics in the region.
