Kerwin Espinosa gets to stay at NBI cell

Kerwin Espinosa. INQUIRER.net file photo / Julius N. Leonen

Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa can stay at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detention center, instead of the Manila City Jail, amid a trial for illegal drug trade and possession of firearms.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26 issued a commitment order to the NBI to retain their custody of Espinosa at the bureau’s detention facility in Manila.

Manila RTC 26 Judge Silvino T. Pampilo granted Espinosa’s motion to commit at the NBI detention facility for security reasons. No comment was filed by prosecutors on the motion.

The court will resume the trial on August 24.

Aside from drug trade and firearm possession cases, Espinosa is also facing charges for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading before a trial court in Makati City.

Espinosa and high-profile drug suspects including Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim are set to be arraigned next week. /je