Espinosa clears Richard Gomez, Leyte officials of drug links

Alleged drug lord turned witness Kerwin Espinosa testifies before the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Joint with the Committee on Justice and Human Right probe on killing of his father Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. at the Session Hall of Senate, Pasay City.INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

Kerwin Espinosa, alleged top drug kingpin in Eastern Visayas, cleared the names of some personalities and government officials, including actor-turned-politician Ormoc, Leyte Mayor Richard Gomez, implicated in the “Espinosa drug group.”

During an interpellation with Senator Panfilo Lacson during the Senate inquiry on the Nov. 5 death of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. in a police raid, Kerwin denied transacting with Gomez and other Leyte officials who allegedly benefitted from drug money.

Lacson gave one by one the names of officials as he asked Kerwin to confirm whether reports were true that he transacted with them.

When asked if Gomez was in his payroll, Kerwin said Gomez was innocent. “Hindi kaya ako barilin niyan? Wala ‘yang kaalam alam.”

READ: Actor, Leyte mayor Richard Gomez linked to Espinosa drug group

Other officials named were Baybay Vice Mayor Mike Cari, Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, a former appellate justice, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Petilla. All denied their alleged ties with Kerwin.

Asked about Veloso, Kerwin said: “Sorry, Congressman. Hindi kita kilala. Wala kaming transaction ni Veloso.”

Kerwin said he knew Cari but he never gave him drug money. He also denied transacting with Petilla. CDG