By Genalyn Kabiling
Self-confessed drug dealer Kevin Espinosa is under investigation for his alleged continued illegal drug activity even while in detention, Malacañang declared Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (via PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque hinted that Espinosa's chance for witness protection coverage may be affected if the fresh drug allegations against him are proven.
"Mayroon pong imbestigasyong nangyayari kay Kerwin, hindi lang po pupuwedeng i-discuss, ongoing investigation po kasi There is an investigation conducted on Kerwin. We cannot discuss it because it is an ongoing investigation)," Roque said during a Palace press briefing.
"Kung mapatunayan, siguro po (If allegations are proven, then maybe)," he added, when asked if Espinosa's supposed witness protection coverage may be affected due to the latest drug allegations.
Roque earlier confirmed that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are looking into the alleged drug operations of Espinosa while in detention at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He said authorities are neither blind nor deaf to the latest allegations of drug involvement.
Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido reportedly claimed that Espinosa remains active in the illegal drug trade despite his detention, linking him the recent huge drug hauls seized by authorities.
Espinosa, a suspected drug lord in Eastern Visayas, was arrested by authorities in the United Arab Emirates in 2016. He is son of the late Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa who was killed in jail in 2016.
Back in 2017, Espinosa was reportedly placed under the Department of Justice’s provisional witness protection program in connection with his testimony against detained Senator Leila de Lima. But the self-confessed drug reportedly continued to face other complaints for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade even while in custody.