Alleged Filipino drug lord Kerwin Espinosa listens to a question as he is presented to the media upon arrival from Abu Dhabi early Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Camp Crame in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. AP File Photo
Three policemen involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. were allegedly in the payola of his son and suspected drug lord, Kerwin.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said Kerwin mentioned the payola in a draft affidavit that he submitted to the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs investigating the killing of the mayor.
READ: Kerwin to disclose names in drug trade
The committee chaired by Lacson is set to hear Kerwin’s testimony when it resumes its hearing on Wednesday.
“What struck me, yung na-mention niya si Marcos, si Laraga, and Matira na nasa payola niya. More or less sabi ko nga pwede nang magkaroon ng conclusion. Ano ba yung motibo sa pagpatay kay Mayor Espinosa. Draft affidavit yan, di pa na-subscribed. Yan ang nakita kong pwedeng maging motibo sa pagpatay kay Mayor Espinosa.” the senator said in an interview on Tuesday.
Lacson was referring to Supt. Marvin Marcos, the relieved head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas (CIDG-8), and its two members, Supt. Santi Noel Matira and Chief Insp. Leo Laraga.
Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has also quoted Kerwin as saying that Marcos allegedly demanded P3 million from him.
READ: Cop in Espinosa killing had asked P3M from Kerwin — Pacquiao
Lacson noted that during the last hearing of the committee, Marcos denied knowing Kerwin.
“But as per affidavit, meron silang direct na pagugnay kasi nga kasama sa payola si Marcos. He also mentioned Laraga and Matira. Ang taltlong CIDG na involved sa pag-raid at pagpatay diumano, allegedly as per Kerwin Espinosa sa draft affidavit, kasama sa payola,” the senator said.
Although the draft affidavit was not conclusive, Lacson said there is now a possible motive why the mayor was killed. RAM/rga