Albuera: The local government unit of Albuera, Leyte, under Mayor Kerwin Espinosa, is serious about ridding the town of illegal drugs, a local official said on Monday. Leah Tamse, program manager of the community-based drug rehabilitation program, stated that Mayor Espinosa will regularly conduct random drug testing among elected officials and local government employees to ensure a drug-free workplace.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Espinosa has issued an executive order for conducting regular program random drug tests. Tamse expressed her satisfaction with this initiative, highlighting it as a priority program of the local government to maintain a workplace free from illegal drugs. The random drug tests conducted from July 2 to 7 involved 360 elected officials, employees, and village officials visiting the mayor's office.

The test results revealed that three employees tested positive for illegal drug use, as reported by Tamse. However, the identities and employment status of these individuals were not disclosed. As per the rules, non-regular employees found positive will face termination, while regular employees will undergo rehabilitation.

Mayor Espinosa's campaign against illegal drugs was one of his key promises during the election period. He has urged drug traders and users to surrender and seek rehabilitation or leave the town. His resolve stems from personal history, as in 2016, former President Rodrigo Duterte accused him and his father, former Albuera Mayor Roland Espinosa, of involvement in the narcotics trade. This followed a police raid that uncovered PHP11 million worth of shabu near their family's residence in Albuera.

Roland Espinosa surrendered in mid-2016 amidst drug charges but was later shot dead in his jail cell in Baybay City. Kerwin Espinosa was released from jail in 2023 after the Regional Trial Court in Baybay City dismissed the drug-related case against him due to a lack of evidence.