Kerwin Espinosa surrenders as court issues arrest warrant
TACLOBAN , Philippines — Mayor Rolan Kerwin Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte has surrendered to authorities after a court in Cebu issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a murder case.
The Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 14 did not recommend bail for the temporary liberty of Espinosa and four other accused.
Espinosa, a self-confessed drug trafficker, has not been reporting to his office since late January, due to what his camp described as security concerns.
Espinosa has expressed fear for his safety as he cited the fate of his father, former Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa, who was killed while in detention. His supporters claimed the case filed against him was politically motivated.
Before surrendering, Espinosa designated his sister, Vice Mayor Mariel Marinay, as acting mayor. He denied that he went into hiding after his last appearance at the municipal hall on Jan. 20.
Espinosa said that he intentionally skipped public appearances for security reasons.
The camp of Espinosa said they lack information on the charges filed against him, insinuating that the case is a tactic by political rivals to disrupt his tenure as mayor.
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