Ex-Pangasinan governor Espino Jr. cleared of drug links – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Former Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr., who was previously included in the government’s drug watchlist, was already cleared of drug links, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

READ: Cops eye ‘gun-for-hire’ group in assault of Espino convoy

“Well, nagkaroon ng pagkakabilang ng PRRD list. Ito naman ay natanggal din naman,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac told reporters in a chance interview when asked if Espino’s inclusion in list could be the motive behind the ambush of the local leader’s convoy in San Carlos City, Pangasinan on Wednesday afternoon.

“Ginampanan niya nang maayos at napakalakas ng tulong sa kampanya natin laban sa ilegal na droga,” Banac added.

Espino and his police aides were in a two-vehicle convoy traversing Barangay Magtaking when armed man attacked them. Espino survived but one if his aides was killed.

READ: Ex-Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. hurt in ambush; 1 aide killed

READ: Ex-Pangasinan gov now out of danger after ambush

Banac said PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde immediately ordered a swift investigation on the incident to identify and arrest the suspects behind it. /kga