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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider New PDEA-8 chief urges Kerwin Espinosa to back anti-drug drive

New PDEA-8 chief urges Kerwin Espinosa to back anti-drug drive

Published Feb 13, 2026 04:10 pm
ESPINOSA (FB)
ESPINOSA (FB)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 8 (Eastern Visayas) expressed hope that Albuera, Leyte Mayor Kerwin Espinosa would take an active role in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, citing his alleged familiarity with the illegal drug trade.
Levi Ortiz, newly appointed regional director of PDEA-8, made the statement during a press briefing on Friday following Espinosa’s recent release from the Cebu City Jail in connection with a murder case.
“Although he was jailed on murder charges, it’s high time for him to change from being a self-confessed drug lord. He can help PDEA since he knows the mechanics of the drug trade,” Ortiz said. “If he’s not involved in drugs, he can be a true public servant."
Ortiz declined to comment on whether Albuera remains on PDEA’s list of drug hotspot areas.
Espinosa and two other accused surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation in Cebu on Feb. 5 after the Cebu Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued a warrant for their arrest in connection with a murder case. The court initially recommended no bail.
However, on Feb. 10, the same court ordered their release, citing a lack of jurisdiction over the case.
Espinosa, who was elected mayor last year, earlier vowed to rid Albuera of illegal drugs.
He urged alleged drug traders and users to surrender, undergo rehabilitation, or leave the town.
In 2016, then-President Rodrigo Duterte publicly accused Espinosa and his father, former Albuera Mayor Roland Espinosa, of involvement in the narcotics trade after authorities reportedly discovered P11-million worth of shabu near their family residence in Albuera.
The elder Espinosa surrendered to authorities in mid-2016 amid drug charges but was later shot dead inside his jail cell in Baybay City.
Kerwin Espinosa was released from detention in 2023 after a Regional Trial Court in Baybay City dismissed the drug-related charges against him due to insufficient evidence. (PNA)

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