In a shocking twist during the high-stakes mayoral race in Albuera, Leyte, the very law enforcement agencies that have vowed to protect the public are now shrouded in controversy.
The chief of police of Ormoc City, Leyte and six of his officers have been identified as persons of interest in the attempted assassination of Kerwin Espinosa, a self-confessed drug trafficker and one of the candidates vying for the mayoral seat.
Espinosa survived an assassination attempt last Thursday, April 10, while on a campaign sortie in Barangay Tinag-an.
The candidate’s sister and running mate Mariel, as well as a minor who was attending the campaign event, were also reportedly injured in the incident.
Espinosa’s audacious campaign has raised eyebrows across the nation, not least because of his notorious past.
Once labeled a significant player in the Eastern Visayas drug trade during the Duterte administration, Espinosa's candidacy is riddled with questions about ethics and public safety.
It is unfathomable that someone with such a controversial background would be permitted to run for office, yet here we are—his presence on the ballot challenges our understanding of accountability in government.
Police involved?
What’s more perplexing is the police's alleged involvement in this dramatic incident.
The officers are reportedly under restrictive custody after residents stopped them from vacating the area post-shooting, raising suspicions that run deep.
While Espinosa stated he is not accusing them outright, the mere implication casts a shadow over their integrity and responsibilities as protectors of the community.
The optics are troubling, as mere proximity to the crime scene could suggest a deeper complicity or negligence on their part.
Troubled history
Espinosa has a turbulent history with the law: previous drug charges were dismissed on technicalities, leaving many to question the judicial system's efficacy.
His ability to run for a government position again raises the urgent question: should the law afford second chances at the expense of public safety?
Moreover, the response from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is notably reactive rather than proactive.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia’s call for swift action from law enforcement highlights an institutional inefficiency that continues to allow questionable figures like Espinosa to challenge the political status quo.
In light of these events, the situation calls for urgent reforms in both law enforcement and electoral processes.
The people of Albuera deserve better than the unholy alliance between crime and politics.
They deserve transparency, accountability, and a government that prioritizes the community’s well-being over the ambitions of individuals with shady pasts.
As this story unfolds, one must wonder: who truly stands to benefit from the unfolding chaos in Albuera?
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