Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez and some local officials in Leyte may be involved in the illegal drug trade, based on the affidavit of slain Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
Chief Inspector Leo Laraga from CIDG Region 8 said the officials are part of the “Espinosa drug group.”
During the Senate probe on the shooting of Espinosa and inmate Raul Yap on Thursday, Laraga named Gomez, Baybay City Vice Mayor Michael Cari, Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, and Third District Leyte Rep. Ching Veloso as the officials involved in the illegal drug trade.
However, Laraga admitted they don’t have a “personal copy” of Espinosa’s affidavit, but that “it was published on social media.”
Sen. Miguel Zubiri said he has never heard the name of Gomez “in any social media circle” and urged authorities to clarify the alleged involvement of the persons named.
Gomez denies involvement
But based on the affidavit of Espinosa obtained by CNN Philippines, Gomez was not mentioned in Espinosa’s “pink notebook,” which contains names of personalities who received drug money from Espinosa’s son, alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.
Atty. Alex Avisado, counsel for Gomez and Leyte Government Board Member Matt Torres, said in a statement that his clients have never been involved in drugs.
“They were resoundingly elected by the people of Ormoc and the 4th District of Leyte based on their solid anti drug campaign,” Avisado said. “So to those who are desperately trying to destroy their reputation you have been warned! Put up or shut up! We will see you in court!”
Avisado also said Gomez and his wife – Leyte 4th District Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez – are currently in London representing the Philippines in the World Travel Mart 2016.
Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN Philippines, Petilla “vehemently denies” his involvement in the drug trade.
He said he has never met the mayor nor his son. He said he had also made steps to ensure the safety of Espinosa while in detention in Baybay.
Petilla also denied meeting Mayor Espinosa during the Balikbayan Night in 2015 in Albuera, Leyte, which was stated by Espinosa in his affidavit.
In a Facebook post, Veloso also denied his involvement, saying the allegations are “far from the truth” and that he is not a protector of Kerwin Espinosa.
Why the warrant?
Sen. Tito Sotto asked members of the CIDG why they applied for a search warrant in Samar, when Espinosa’s cell is located at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City.
CIDG Region 8 Chief Supt. Marvin Marcos said there was a “compelling reason” for them to do so.
“Meron nga pong sa Manila nag-a-apply ng warrant at in-i-implement sa probinsya. Para ma-approve ng judge is meron pong compelling reason,” Marcos said.
[Translation: There are some warrants applied in Manila, but implemented in the province. The warrant will be approved if the judge finds a compelling reason to do so.]
Related: CIDG team leader admits shooting Espinosa
Larraga said their compelling reason “refers to the personalities involved in the Espinosa drug group.” He added they wanted to avoid this group as it allegedly involves officials in Leyte.
