Sees ‘flaws’ on the shooting
TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez dismissed the claim of Albuera mayoralty candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa regarding the April 10 shooting incident during the latter’s campaign sortie in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera.
In a post on his social media account, Gomez urged the public not to believe the allegations made by Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord.
“Do not believe somebody like him who has no credibility and is a self-confessed drug lord,” Gomez said. “He will not make anything good for mankind,” he added.
Gomez said he is conducting his own investigation into the incident, but noted there are already “flaws” in Espinosa’s narrative about the alleged ambush.
The congressman, who is seeking reelection in the upcoming polls, represents Leyte’s 4th District, which includes the town of Albuera.
In a press conference held on Friday, April 11, Espinosa denied speculations that the incident was a staged attack or a case of “ambush me.”
“The (sniper) hit me near the heart. How can they say it was scripted?” said Espinosa, who was wounded in the upper chest and treated at a private hospital hours after the incident. He was discharged the following day upon his request.
Leyte Police Provincial Director Col. Dionisio Apas Jr. confirmed that seven police officers, including a former city police chief of Ormoc, remain ‘persons of interest’ in the case.
“They were not at the crime scene, and we do not yet have direct evidence or testimony pointing to who among them is involved in the crime,” Apas said.
Based on the initial probe, the seven officers claimed they were in the vicinity to serve a warrant of arrest. However, they reportedly failed to coordinate with the Albuera police. Apas clarified that the warrant was not intended for Espinosa and that the officers were approximately 400 meters away from the campaign area when the incident occurred.
A paraffin test was conducted on the officers to determine if any had recently fired a gun. Results are still pending as of Monday afternoon. Their issued and personal firearms have also been submitted to the crime laboratory for ballistic examination.
Apas said possible charges may include frustrated murder and violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The officers are currently under administrative and restrictive custody at the Leyte Police Provincial Office in San Jose, Tacloban City.
JOEY A. GABIETA
