Checkpoints have been set up, and a hot pursuit operation is currently ongoing to capture the suspect involved in the shooting of controversial mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa in Albuera, Leyte.
The incident occurred shortly past 4 PM yesterday in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, where Espinosa was seated, waiting for his turn to speak as part of a campaign event.
It is alleged that the shooter was positioned in the ceiling area of the gymnasium. However, no official information has been released yet regarding the type of firearm used in the crime.
According to Atty. Raymund Palad, Espinosa’s legal counsel, the mayoral candidate sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Based on circulating photos online, he appeared to be conscious following the incident.
Palad added that the gunman was close to Espinosa when the shooting occurred.
Espinosa is currently under medical observation.
A teenage girl was also hit by a stray bullet and was taken to a separate medical facility.
Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia condemned the attack, stating that the perpetrator must be identified and held accountable.
“Any act of violence should be condemned by anyone. The perpetrators must be unmasked and brought to justice immediately. Election is never about killing but is instead the giving of life to our democracy. Ballots not bullets is the answer to our problems,” said Garcia.
Kerwin Espinosa is a known figure due to his past surrender to authorities and admission of involvement in the illegal drug trade during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He faced drug-related charges, although most have been dismissed.
He is the son of former Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was also allegedly involved in illegal drugs. The elder Espinosa was killed inside Baybay City Sub-Provincial Jail during an alleged shootout with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
