Cop killed by snipers linked to illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Police Office has confirmed that slain Police Master Sergeant Mikie Espina was involved in illegal drugs but no charges were filed against him.

CPPO spokesman Lt. Col. Eloveo Marquez said that Espina’s drug link was the reason behind his transfer to Masbate in July 2016.

Espina was among the several policemen from Central Visayas affected during the first wave of reassignments as part of the Philippine National Police’s internal cleansing.

 “Gidudahan siya nga involved sa drugs, relieved to the PNP headquarters, then to Masbate. Wala'y kaso na file,” Marquez said. (He was believed to be involved in drugs but no case was filed)

Espina was killed by snipers Wednesday morning while he was resting on the second floor of his poultry dressing plant in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

The assailants were onboard a white van which was seen leaving the area after Espina was shot.

Kuratong Baleleng

Police investigators are checking information that the culprits may be members of the dreaded Kuratong Baleleng Gang from Ozamiz City. According to Marquez, the family claimed that the slain policeman had been receiving threats from the notorious robbery gang linked to the Parojinogs.

 “We are looking into the allegations and statements of the family. They believe the group of Kuratong Baleleng mao ang ni perpetrate sa kabanay. Ang threat sa group is existing since pa na-assign siya sa Talisay City kay daghan operations against sa Kuratong,” Marquez said.

Espina reportedly arrested a member of the Kuratong Baleleng Gang five years ago when he was still assigned in Talisay City as member of the Theft and Robbery Section.

 Marquez, however, said that other motives will also be looked into.

The CPPO has yet to decide whether a special investigation task group is to be created. Marquez said they are leaving the investigation as of the moment to the Talisay City Police station.

 Lt. Colonel Marlu Conag, Talisay City Station Police chief, said they are collecting security footages from establishments in the area to help identify the culprits.

Virgilio, Espina’s older brother, believes that the killing was related to his profession. He recalled his brother sharing to him his encounter with the Kuratong Baleleng.

Virgilio denied that his brother was involved in illegal drug trade.

According to him, all properties his brother had acquired are products of hard work and determination. He claimed to have witnessed how his late brother juggles work and his business.

Another sibling, Gilberto, described his brother as a good man who never fails to help the needy.

Police Regional Office-7 director Lt. Gen. Debold Sinas earlier said that a group of hired killers from Ozamiz City is in Cebu to target cops. —  FPL (FREEMAN)