Narco-mayor Espinosa killed in jail

MANILA, Philippines - Alleged “narco mayor” Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte was shot dead inside his jail cell on Saturday early morning, according to reports.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Region 8 reportedly tried to serve a warrant for Espinosa in connection with illegal possession of firearms inside his cell.

Espinosa allegedly resisted the arrest and was killed at around 4 a.m. on Saturday.

Another detainee named Raul Yap, who was also being served a warrant for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, was also shot dead during the operation.

Espinosa was detained in a sub-provincial jail in Baybay City, Leyte.

The Albuera mayor was in President Rodrigo Duterte’s first list of personalities linked to the narcotics trade.

During a raid in August, police recovered around P88 million worth of shabu and 13 high-powered firearms and some low firearms ammunition and explosives at Espinosa’s residence in Sitio Tinago, Barangay Binulho, Albuera town. 

In October, Espinosa surrendered to police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa few hours after the president demanded for the surrender of the mayor or face a “shoot on sight.”

Duterte also ordered for the killing of Espinosa’s son Rolando "Kerwin" Espinosa Jr., whom the Albuera mayor had admitted to be an illegal drug trader and had gone into hiding.

Kerwin was later on arrested in Abu Dhabi last month.