Bato: Kerwin Espinosa is ‘missing piece in drug trade puzzle’
Kerwin Espinosa, allegedly the biggest drug kingpin in Eastern Visayas, is like the “missing piece of the puzzle” who could identify high-profile protectors and distributors involved in the illegal drug network in the country, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
“Kerwin is like the missing link. He is like the missing piece of the puzzle. Gano’n kalahaga ‘yung kanyang papel. Marami siyang mai-ko-connect,” Dela Rosa said in a press conference at Camp Crame when he presented Espinosa to the media early morning Friday.
Dela Rosa said Espinosa could confirm the involvement of ranking government officials in the drug business.
“Akala natin hindi pala ganito but with his presence mako-confirm natin na ganito pala. ‘Yan pala siya. Akala natin hindi siya gano’n pero sasabihin ni Kerwin, maco-confirm natin na siya pala ‘yon. Things like that,” he said.
Dela Rosa answered in the affirmative when asked if those who benefitted from Espinosa’s drug trade could go as high as an appointed official, including Justice Secretary Senator Leila de Lima.
“Aabot sa gano’ng level depende sa affidavit niya. But initially may sinabi na si Kerwin. Just don’t put those words in my mouth. Basta mataas ‘yung aabutin,” he said.
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PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa presents alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa at Camp Crame. JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS/INQUIRER.net
Espinosa’s late father Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. implicated De Lima in his affidavit as one of the protectors of his son’s drug network.
Asked by reporters if he personally knows De Lima, Kerwin curtly replied: “No comment.”
Dela Rosa butted in and said Kerwin has not seen the elder Espinosa’s affidavit but the PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) will cross match Kerwin’s testimony with that of his father.
After undergoing booking procedures at the PNP’s national headquarters building, Kerwin will be brought to the AIDG office, also in Camp Crame, to execute an affidavit.
The PNP gave the younger Espinosa heavy security from the time of his arrest in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East last Oct. 17 while a possibility of turning him into a state witness is being studied. CDG
