DOJ wants NBI to take custody of Kerwin Espinosa

Suspected drug lord Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants Kerwin Espinosa, son of slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., to be placed under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) instead of the police when he arrives from Abu Dhabi next week.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday said he already informed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa of their intention to take the younger Espinosa into their custody.

“I wrote a letter to Gen. Bato [Ronald Dela Rosa] requesting that Kerwin be placed under the custody of the NBI pending determination if he is qualified to be admitted under the WPP (Witness Protection Program),” Aguirre said in a text message.

Kerwin’s father was killed inside Baybay sub-provincial jail after he allegedly fought it out with the police officers who were serving a search warrant last Nov. 5 at 4 a.m.

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

The NBI, an attached agency under the DOJ, has started conducting a parallel investigation on the circumstances surrounding the older Espinosa’s death.

Kerwin, according to Aguirre, already expressed his intention to be put under the WPP.

READ: Kerwin Espinosa wants to enter witness protection program—Aguirre

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

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who ordered an investigation into the death of the older Espinosa, said the government must protect Kerwin  so he can identify his protectors in the government. RAM/rga