Kerwin Espinosa wants to enter witness protection program—Aguirre

Alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, son of slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. has expressed his intention to be placed under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Thursday.

Aguirre said he was informed by the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio Vingno Jr. of the younger Espinosa’s intention.

READ: Visayas ‘drug lord’ Kerwin Espinosa arrested in Abu Dhabi

“There was already a letter of the ambassador that Kerwin has already expressed his intention to be put under the protection of the WPP and as a matter of fact, this was also confirmed by those who arrested him, the PNP Colonel who headed the anti-illegal drugs,” Aguirre said in a press conference.

To be admitted to the WPP, Aguirre said Kerwin has to execute an affidavit.

He said that while the affidavit executed by his father had lost its probative value, he could corroborate it through his own affidavit.

The affidavit will be evaluated to determine if he is qualified to enter WPP.

Once admitted, Aguirre said Kerwin and his family will be under WPP.

Kerwin is expected to return to the country early next week.

READ: Security tight in Leyte town for return of Kerwin Espinosa Jr.

He said the police had already formed a team that would fetch him from Abu Dhabi.

“They are expecting to leave Sunday. Inaayos na lang ang visa nitong mga (We are arranging the visas of the) police officers who will go there to fetch him,” Aguirre said.

“Once they get the person of Kerwin and bring him back to the Philippines, they are going to turn him over together with any sworn statement so that we can consider him if he is qualified to be put under the WPP,” the justice chief added.

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who ordered the investigation into the death of the elder Espinosa, said the government must protect Kerwin to identify his protectors in the government. RAM/rga

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