Manila: Seven police officers suspected of involvement in the shooting of Albuera, Leyte mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa have tested negative in a paraffin examination, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced. Despite the test results, PNP information chief Col. Randulf Tua±o emphasized that the investigation will continue, as the paraffin test is not definitive and can only provide circumstantial evidence.

According to Philippine News Agency, Col. Tua±o explained in a press conference at Camp Crame that there are numerous methods to avoid gunpowder residue detection, such as wearing gloves or long sleeves while firing a weapon. Therefore, a negative test result does not necessarily exonerate the officers from firing a gun.

The incident occurred on April 10 during a campaign event in Barangay Tinag-an, where Espinosa was shot by an unidentified gunman. Following the attack, the seven officers, including Ormoc City Police Chief Col. Reydante Ariza, were apprehended in a residential area where the gunman reportedly fled.

Col. Tua±o further stated that the nine firearms found in the possession of the arrested police officers are currently undergoing ballistics examination. The outcome of these tests will play a critical role in the ongoing investigation.

Prior to the shooting, Espinosa had accused Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres of being involved in the attack. Rep. Gomez refuted the allegations, dismissing Espinosa's claims due to his lack of credibility and his history as a confessed drug lord.

The PNP has assured that the investigation will rely strictly on evidence to determine the facts surrounding the shooting incident.