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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Kerwin Espinosa surrenders to NBI following arrest warrant for murder

Kerwin Espinosa surrenders to NBI following arrest warrant for murder

Published Feb 5, 2026 01:05 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – Embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation Thursday after the Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued a warrant of arrest against him and four others on Wednesday for murder.
“We will not wait for them to serve the warrant. Please pray for my safety. To the Albueranos, to the people who love me, and for the people who don’t, please pray that nothing bad will happen with my surrender,” Espinosa said.
No bail was recommended for the release of the accused.
The mayor denied he was in hiding after his last appearance in the municipality on Jan. 20. He admitted, however, that he intentionally skipped public appearances for security.
“As what I have said, I will face the warrant of arrest,” he added.
A source said Espinosa was indicted in September 2024 for an alleged murder case in Baybay City.
Espinosa’s camp said that they have no clear information on the background of the charges against the mayor.
He added that the case is another tactic by his political rivals to disrupt his position as mayor like what they did to his father.
Espinosa assured that services and proposed projects will continue in the coming months, with his sister, Vice Mayor Mariel Espinosa, in charge, especially the construction of a hospital.
UPDATED

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