SC orders probe on Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa’s jail slay

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into the circumstances relative to the issuance of a search warrant directed to the Criminal Investigation Group that led to the death of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. inside the Baybay City jail last Saturday.

In a press conference on Tuesday, high court’s Information Chief Atty. Theodore Te said the details on the investigation are still being worked out by the court.

Last Saturday, Espinosa was killed in jail after he allegedly fought the police serving a search warrant for him.

READ: Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa killed in ‘firefight’ inside jail

The search warrant was issued by Basey, Samar Regional Trial Court Branch 30 Judge Tarcelo Sabarre Jr.

Aside from the police, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also conducting a parallel investigation on the matter.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said the purpose of the parallel investigation is “to avoid any suspicion of whitewash.”

Espinosa, who was tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte in the illegal drug trade in the Visayas, earlier surrendered to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for fear of his life.

READ: Leyte town mayor linked to drugs surrenders to Dela Rosa

He was allowed to go home and was arrested last month following the filing of criminal charges against him.

Another inmate identified as Raul Yap was also killed in the supposed shootout. RAM

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