Kerwin Espinosa’s aide surrenders

CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Philippines – The self-confessed right-hand man of suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa surrendered to the police in Albuera, Leyte on Thursday morning.

Accompanied by his family members, Max Mero turned over two kilos of shabu and a .45-caliber pistol, said Chief Superintendent Elmer Beltejar, Eastern Visayas police acting director.

“This is a good development for us…Sila na mismo ang personal na nakikig-ugnayan sa ating kapulisan, dahil siguro takot na sila (Drug suspects themselves are coordinating with us maybe for fear of their lives),” Beltejar told The STAR.

Mero is among the close aides of Espinosa, the alleged leader of a drug ring that supplies shabu in Central and Eastern Visayas.

Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido, Albuera police chief, said they are studying if Mero’s statements can be used in filing cases against more than 200 persons, including Leyte officials, for illegal drugs.

Mero went into hiding when President Duterte assumed office.

Meanwhile, Espinosa remained in hiding since his father Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.  surrendered to Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa last month.