Espinosa slay convict yields

MANILA, Philippines - A former Masbate City vice mayor, who was convicted of murdering former Masbate congressman Moises Espinosa Sr., gave himself up yesterday morning, eight days after he escaped from the Masbate provincial jail.

Convict Florencio Fernandez reportedly surrendered to police through the help of lawyer Rainer Botalid, who was defeated by Masbate first district Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. in the 2007 elections, said Mario Espinosa, a son of the slain congressman.

Mario told The STAR that Fernandez, together with police and military escorts and a certain Gen. Azares, was brought to Masbate on board a military helicopter yesterday morning. – Cecille Suerte Felipe