Kerwin Espinosa moved to BJMP

MANILA, Philippines — Self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa has been transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed yesterday that Espinosa is no longer being held at the detention cell of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters in Manila.

National Prosecution Service Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said they informed the courts handling the drug cases of Espinosa that he had been transferred to a regular jail.

Espinosa’s transfer to the BJMP occurred last week, according to Malcontento.

The DOJ said Espinosa has nine cases pending before the regional trial courts.

Of the cases, two are for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. The other complaints are for illegal possession of firearms and explosives and violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Law.

Last February, reports said that Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra signed a notice terminating Espinosa’s inclusion in the Witness Protection Program.

Reports said Espinosa was dropped as a state witness in the illegal drug trade due to various offenses he allegedly committed while he was in NBI custody.

Espinosa allegedly attempted to escape from the NBI detention cell on Jan. 13, in violation of the memorandum of agreement he signed with the DOJ.

He allegedly extorted money from other NBI detainees.

Espinosa allegedly engaged in smuggling, drank liquor, violated the curfew hours and roamed around the cells of other detainees.

He was reportedly caught in possession of prohibited items such as mobile phones and bladed weapons while in NBI custody.