Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Alleged drug lord Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa must not share his father’s fate, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Thursday.
“Unlike his late father, the Albuera Mayor, he must live to tell his story,” Lacson told the Senate as it began its inquiry into the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
Lacson urged the government to ensure the younger Espinosa’s safety and prove its sincerity in pinning down all public officials who have benefited from the illegal drug trade.
Before his death, Mayor Espinosa revealed everything he knew about his son Kerwin’s illegal drug operations in two sworn affidavits.
He also named at least 50 government officials, police, and other personalities as protectors of Kerwin’s “big-time” drug transactions in Eastern Visayas.
Kerwin is currently held by authorities in Abu Dhabi following his arrest on October 27. He is set to return to Manila to face drug charges.
“The imminent deportation of Kerwin Espinosa must be given utmost attention and security concern by this government,” Lacson said.
Also read: Kerwin’s deportation may be delayed – Police
Senate probes Espinosa killing
Lacson demanded an explanation from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the “absurd circumstances” in the account of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas (CIDG-8).
Also read: Lawmakers: Espinosa’s death smells of extrajudicial killing, reeks of irregularities
The CIDG-8 said they were serving a search warrant against Mayor Espinosa and another inmate, Raul Yap, for illegal possession of firearms and drugs when the two resisted arrest and shot at the police, prompting the operatives to fire back.
The alleged shootout killed Espinosa and Yap early morning on November 5 at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay.
Lacson remains unconvinced.
“Why would Mayor Espinosa even attempt to put up a fight? When he was trapped inside the prison cell with nowhere to go? Not to mention that he had surrendered and was fully cooperating, hoping to become a state witness,” Lacson asked the police.
“Nothing makes sense,” Lacson said.
Lacson is the chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, which is leading the investigation together with the Senate committee on justice and human rights.
PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Director Benjamin Magalong said the command group met with PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa on Monday. He assured the public they will conduct an impartial and objective investigation into the killings.
“The leadership of the Philippine National Police is very, very committed to pursue the truth surrounding the death of Mayor Espinosa and Mr. Yap,” Magalong said.
The Commission on Human Rights will also conduct an independent investigation to look into the death of Espinosa.
The mayor was one of the government officials named by President Rodrigo Duterte with links to the illegal drug trade.
He turned himself in to the police at Camp Crame after Duterte announced a 24-hour ultimatum for him and his son to surrender or be shot.
He was allowed to go home pending an arrest warrant, and was then arrested on October 5.
Also read: Leyte mayor surrenders for fear for his life, heeds Duterte’s call against drugs
