Albuera police chief replaced

PALO, Leyte, Philippines – Chief Inspector Jovy Espenido has been relieved as police chief of Albuera.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters named Espenido as Ozamiz City police chief, Chief Superintendent Elmer Beltejar, Eastern Visayas police director, told The STAR yesterday.

“Espenido was given a new assignment. We expect a more peaceful Albuera after his leadership. We are confident that Espinosas’ cohorts will no longer continue their illegal drug trade,” Beltejar said.

Beltejar said Espenido’s new assignment was a promotion after he neutralized the Espinosa drug ring.

Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa earlier told a Senate hearing that Espenido was among the police officials he was paying off to protect his illegal drug operations in the region.

PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, however, said Kerwin retracted his statement during their meeting after the Senate hearing.

Dela Rosa said Kerwin told him that Espenido “is not corrupt” and “wouldn’t bite” on drug money.

In a text message, Espenido said he is grateful for Dela Rosa’s continued trust and confidence on him.

“Include me in your prayers with my new assignment as chief of police of Ozamiz City. Let me ask also the support of local officials and the PNP in this city,” he added.