The Philippine National Police assured they will ensure the safety of the fugitive Kerwin Espinosa, the son of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
The PNP said on Monday that the arrested big-time drug lord might be asked to wear a bulletproof vest and helmet to ensure his safe return to the country.
Espinosa was arrested in Abu Dhabi at around 2 a.m. on Monday in an operation conducted by the Abu Dhabi police and PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group in coordination with Interpol.
He is considered the highest drug lord in Eastern Visayas and his father once called him to surrender after President Rodrigo Duterte released a shoot-on-sight order against him.
PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said on Tuesday they would be willing to provide bulletproof vest and helmet for the son the arrested mayor to ensure that he is safe.
This is in case there’s a need for Espinosa, tagged the biggest drug kingpin in Visayas, to wear protective gear.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Carlos said, “I believe the PNP will do its part to protect and provide security to Kerwin once he’s turned over to the Philippines.”
“Sisiguraduhin natin safety ni Kerwin para mapanagot natin siya dito sa Pilipinas sa mga viniolate niyang batas,” Carlos added.
Carlos said the PNP’s antinarcotics unit would take charge of Espinosa’s security, as well as the investigation of his case.
“If Kerwin is flown back here to the country, siya po ay hahawakan ng (PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group) dito sa Camp Crame para ma-imbestigahan and we will make an arrangement for the return of the arrest warrant to the issuing court in Baybay, Leyte,” he said.
Once Espinosa and the team of the PNP have completed the documentary requirements for the former’s release, Carlos said they would immediately fly back to the Philippines so that he will serve the law.
