ALBUERA, Leyte- Alleged hit men of Kerwin Espinosa have surrendered to the local police as they vowed to cooperate in the investigation against the region’s top drug lord.
Ruel Manidlangan,45, and Buan Anthony, who was also known as Tonypet Zaldivar, voluntarily surrendered to Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido, town police chief.
The two claimed to be hit men of Espinosa who remain at-large and faces a shoot on sight order issued by no less than Police Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa.
The two vowed to cooperate in the police investigation on the illegal drug trade of Espinosa and his father, Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa by executing affidavits.
Manidlangan and Zaldivar decided to surrender out of fear and tired of being on the run.
“Sometimes you’re just relieved that it’s over. I don’t want now to endanger the lives of my family especially my children,” Manidlangan, father to seven children, said.
According to him, it was Kerwin who facilitated for his release at the Ormoc City Jail and offered him to work as his security guard.
Meantime, Espenido said that they are still waiting for the court to issue a warrant of arrest against the embattled mayor and his son.
Cases for illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs have been filed against the Espinosas.
Espenido said the court is still reviewing all affidavits and documents submitted by the police.
Warrants are expected to be issued against the two if the court finds the complaints strong enough and with basis.
According to Espenido, filing cases against the Espinosas will be the start in making the town of Albuera free from illegal drugs and make it a peaceful town again.
(JAZMIN BONIFACIO)
