Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa Jr. (INQUIRER PHOTO)
Arrested big-time drug lord Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa Jr. might be asked to wear a bulletproof vest and helmet to ensure his safe return to the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
If there’s a need for Espinosa, tagged the biggest drug kingpin in Visayas, to wear protective gear, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said they would be willing to provide bulletproof vest and helmet for the erstwhile fugitive to ensure his safety.
“I believe the PNP will do its part to protect and provide security to Kerwin once he’s turned over to the Philippines,” Carlos said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.
READ: Visayas ‘drug lord’ Kerwin Espinosa arrested in Abu Dhabi
“Sisiguraduhin natin safety ni Kerwin para mapanagot natin siya dito sa Pilipinas sa mga viniolate niyang batas,” he added.
Espinosa was arrested in Abu Dhabi at about 10 p.m. Sunday (2 a.m. Monday in Manila time) in an operation conducted by the Abu Dhabi police and PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group in coordination with Interpol.
Once Espinosa and the PNP team completed the documentary requirements for the former’s release, Carlos said they would immediately fly back to the Philippines.
READ: Kerwin’s run ends in Abu Dhabi
Carlos said the PNP’s antinarcotics unit would take charge of Espinosa’s security, as well as the investigation of his case.
“If Kerwin is flown back here to the country, siya po ay hahawakan ng (PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group) dito sa Camp Crame para ma-imbestigahan and we will make an arrangement for the return of the arrest warrant to the issuing court in Baybay, Leyte,” he said.
The warrant served on Espinosa, son of Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. of Albuera, Leyte, was issued by the Regional Trial Court of Baybay, Leyte, for illegal possession of firearms. After his arrest, Espinosa has to return the arrest warrant to its court of origin. The court will then release a commitment order and decide where Espinosa would be detained./rga
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