Kerwin files raps vs 7 cops

BAYBAY CITY, Philippines — Even before investigators could close their probe on an assassination attempt, Albuera town mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa filed frustrated murder charges against seven members of the Ormoc City police.

Espinosa said in an interview that the complaint was filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Baybay City, Leyte on April 24.

His complaint-affidavit alleged that the attempt on his life on April 10 in Barangay Tinag-an in Albuera, Leyte was politically motivated. Espinosa, his sister Mariel and a minor were wounded in the incident.

A police report earlier noted that Espinosa was waiting for his turn to speak when “an unidentified man, hiding in the ceiling of the stage, shot the victim from behind using an undetermined firearm.”

The Leyte Provincial Police Office filed charges of illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban against the seven police officers, who were inside a compound where the suspected getaway vehicle was found during a pursuit operation.

The Philippine National Police said the seven – two ranking PNP officers and five non-commissioned officers – were in civilian clothing when found at the compound.

As the PNP continues with its investigation, it has relieved Col. Reydante Ariza as police chief of Ormoc City.

Espinosa said he would identify the persons behind the attempted slay as soon as he is allowed by his lawyers.

“I will name them one by one, including the mastermind,” Espinosa said in Filipino.