ALBUERA, Leyte– Tensions continue to escalate in this municipality as another political controversy emerged just a day after the shooting of mayoral candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa.
On Friday morning, April 11, police received a report from the caretaker of the campaign headquarters of Leyte board member and mayoral candidate Vince Rama, who claimed that a glass window of their office in Barangay Poblacion was found shattered when he arrived at around 5:50 am.
The caretaker, identified only as “Edmund,” 42, a resident of Sitio Canlalin, Barangay Poblacion, requested the local police to officially record the incident at about 7:30 am.
Responding officers confirmed the window had been broken, with shards of glass scattered on the floor. A broken bottle found on the scene reportedly emitted a kerosene-like odor, prompting suspicions that a Molotov cocktail may have been used.
However, a police officer speaking on condition of anonymity cast doubt on the claim, saying there was no evidence of a wick or any sign of ignition—essential components for a Molotov bomb. “When you say Molotov, it should create fire upon impact. There was no sign of that here,” the officer said.
Despite this, Espinosa was quick to dismiss the incident as a staged act. Speaking to reporters, he accused the Rama camp of scripting the scenario to gain public sympathy following the recent backlash over reports that police officers were tagged as’ persons of interest’ in the attack against him.
“That’s scripted!” Espinosa declared, adding that the incident appeared to be a “retaliatory drama” in response to growing suspicion surrounding the involvement of certain policemen in his shooting.
The local police have yet to release an official conclusion as investigations continue. (ROBERT DEJON)
ORMOC CITY— A high-value individual (HVI) listed in the Philippine National Police’s drug watchlist was killed during a buy-bust operation after engaging police in a gunfight, while two of his companions were arrested, on Saturday, April 12, in Barangay Balud, Calbayog City.
The fatality was identified as alias “Tonyo,” of legal age, jobless, and a resident of Brgy. Balud. His two arrested companions were identified as alias “Joe,” 29, and alias “Vince,” 24 — both also jobless and listed as HVIs, and residents of Barangay East Awang.
According to police, the buy-bust operation was launched at around 5:40 pm, targeting alias “Joe.” Undercover operatives were able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from him.
After the transaction, the poseur buyer gave the pre-arranged signal to indicate the buy-bust was successful.
However, the suspects sensed the presence of approaching police officers. Alias “Tonyo” attempted to evade arrest by jumping from a second-floor window and fleeing across rooftops, while “Joe” and “Vince” offered no resistance and were immediately apprehended.
A hot pursuit ensued for alias “Tonyo,” who allegedly fired a .38 caliber revolver at the pursuing police officers.
The team returned fire, hitting the suspect in various parts of his body. He was brought by Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) personnel to Calbayog District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival at 7:35 pm by his attending physician.
The two arrested suspects were apprised of the nature of their arrest and informed of their constitutional rights through the Miranda Doctrine in a language they understood.
Charges for violation of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the two, who are currently detained at the Calbayog City Police Station.
Meanwhile, the remains of alias “Tonyo” were brought to a local funeral parlor for autopsy. (ROBERT DEJON)
BEE HIVES. The City Agriculture Office(CAO) in Tacloban City says that climate change has dramatically affected the bee pollution in the city. CAO has put up a bee hives in Brgy.101, New Kawayan as part of its initiatives to increase the bees colonies. (PHOTO COURTESY)
BEE HIVES. The City Agriculture Office(CAO) in Tacloban City says that climate change has dramatically affected the bee pollution in the city. CAO has put up a bee hives in Brgy.101, New Kawayan as part of its initiatives to increase the bees colonies. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The number of Tetragonula biroi, or native “stingless bees,” at the Tacloban Agricultural Crop Resources Hub (TACReH) in Barangay 101 has dropped to fewer than 30 colonies due to erratic weather conditions, the farm manager reported on April 11.
Introduced in 2023 with 40 hives or the structure where the bees lives, the colony initially expanded to 56 before gradually declining. Last year, only 31 colonies remained, and current numbers have now dipped below 30.
“The constant shifts in climate under Type II weather conditions — without a distinct wet or dry season — are unfavorable to the bees’ survival,” the manager said.
Tacloban City Agriculturalist Romeo Anade explained that the project began after a city employee attended a beekeeping conference. The initiative aimed to boost crop pollination and honey production in demo farms across the city.
Despite the name “stingless bees,” these small pollinators do have stingers, though their sting is mild — comparable to a mosquito bite. Still, they may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The manager advised the use of antihistamines if stung.
To ensure the bees’ survival, farm officials discourage the use of insecticides, chemical sprays, and burning, which can suffocate the colonies.
“These bees are essential to the environment,” the manager added. “They pollinate our crops and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem.”
Bees are considered the most vital pollinators, with one-third of the world’s food production relying on their activity.
While there are plans to expand the beekeeping initiative to other farms, TACReH officials say further studies are needed to assess feasibility and sustainability.
“We need to raise our pollinators, especially in farming communities. They help our flowers bloom and complete the pollination cycle,” the manager emphasized.
TACLOBAN CITY – Fifteen former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar have received financial assistance from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as part of ongoing efforts to support their reintegration into society.
Each former rebel received P10,000 under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which provides emergency aid to individuals and families experiencing extreme crises, including victims of calamities and those with limited resources.
Ten of the beneficiaries are from Oras town, assisted by the 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB), while the remaining five were assisted by the 78th IB based in Borongan City.
The distribution of aid took place in Oras and Borongan through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. The events were attended by 78th IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Francis Rosales and Major Leoden Bajado of the 52nd IB.
Military officials expressed hope that the financial assistance will support the former rebels as they transition back into civilian life. They emphasized that this aid forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote peace and ensure that those who return to the fold of the law are not left behind.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the DSWD and the Philippine Army for their continuous support, sharing optimism for a peaceful and more secure future for themselves and their families.
Both military officers and DSWD personnel reaffirmed their commitment to providing former rebels with holistic support, including livelihood training, psycho-social services, and community reintegration programs, in addition to financial assistance. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has activated its “Lakbay Alalay” motorist assistance teams in anticipation of increased travel during this year’s observance of Holy Week.
In compliance with the directive of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Regional Director Edgar Tabacon instructed all district engineers to mobilize assistance teams in key areas along primary national highways.
The deployment will run from 8 am on April 16 to 5 pm on April 19, 2025.
“The department ensures that our roads and bridges will provide safety and convenience to motorists and pilgrims traveling to churches and other destinations across the region,” said Tabacon.
He also ordered district offices to intensify routine maintenance activities on all national roads and bridges to ensure safe and smooth travel.
These activities include pavement and shoulder maintenance, regravelling, bridge upkeep, drainage cleaning, vegetation control, and the installation of informative and regulatory traffic signs.
District offices with ongoing infrastructure projects along national highways have also been directed to coordinate with contractors regarding work schedules and the placement of proper traffic advisories.
Tabacon emphasized the need for effective traffic management and strict adherence to construction safety protocols during the holiday rush.
Motorists are encouraged to follow the DPWH Region 8 social media page for the latest updates and travel advisories.
The “Lakbay Alalay” program is implemented in coordination with partner agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units (LGUs). (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
SLAY TRY. Albuera mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa said that the assassination attempt to his life could be due politics. Espinosa,47, was shot on his chest while he was in Brgy. Tinag-an on April 10. He was confined but later discharged in a private hospital in Ormoc City.(PHOTO COURTESY)
Attempt will not stop him from running
SLAY TRY. Albuera mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa said that the assassination attempt to his life could be due politics. Espinosa,47, was shot on his chest while he was in Brgy. Tinag-an on April 10. He was confined but later discharged in a private hospital in Ormoc City.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – Mayoralty candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa believes that the attempt on his life was politically motivated, claiming it was likely due to his strong campaign stance against illegal drugs in Albuera, Leyte, a town once tagged as the drug capital of Eastern Visayas.
Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord, said the shooting could have been carried out by individuals threatened by his vow to eradicate illegal drugs should he be elected mayor.
“You stepped on the toes of someone protecting their business. I’m not even sitting as mayor yet. You just failed to kill me. They even used a sniper—what cowards these people are,” he said in a Facebook livestream from his hospital bed just past midnight on Friday.
Espinosa is now out of danger after being hit by a bullet on his upper right chest while campaigning in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, on Thursday, April 10, at around 4:30 p.m. The bullet exited through the back of his upper right arm, according to a report from the Leyte Police Provincial Office.
He was discharged from a private hospital in Ormoc City on Friday morning and is now recuperating at home in Albuera.
In his video message, Espinosa claimed that the gunman and the vehicle allegedly used in the shooting were already in police custody. “The suspect was arrested right in Barangay Tinag-an, and the vehicle he used was found parked in one of the houses there,” he said, without providing further details.
However, Police Major Ana Armesa, spokesperson of the regional Philippine National Police, contradicted Espinosa’s claim, saying a manhunt operation is still ongoing. “As of now, our personnel are still conducting pursuit operations to identify and arrest the suspect, as well as recover the firearm used,” she said in a radio interview over DyVL in Tacloban City.
She said authorities are not discounting political motives behind the incident and have already identified a person of interest but declined to reveal more pending further investigation.
Espinosa was shot behind the stage of the covered court in Brgy. Tinag-an while he and his slate, “Bando Espinosa, Pundok Kausaban” (Espinosa Team, Reform Group), were holding a campaign rally around six kilometers from the town center.
His younger sister and running mate, Mariel Espinosa Marinay, suffered a graze wound on her left ear, while a minor—daughter of one of their councilor candidates—also sustained a graze wound on her left shoulder.
Despite the attempt on his life, Espinosa said he will not back down from his political bid and that divine intervention saved him. “My life is dedicated to sincere public service for all of you,” he said in Cebuano. “God is good all the time. He didn’t allow me to die. I was sent by the Almighty to return to Albuera to continue the plans of my father and serve the people sincerely.”
He also dismissed speculation that the shooting was staged: “Scripted? The bullet almost hit my heart,” he said.
Espinosa’s father, former Mayor Rolando Espinosa, was killed inside his jail cell at the Baybay sub-provincial jail on November 5, 2016, during what authorities then claimed was a shootout with operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Both father and son were previously tagged by former president Rodrigo Duterte during the height of his campaign against illegal drugs.
Espinosa is running against incumbent Mayor Sixto de la Victoria and Leyte Board Member Vincent Rama. He vowed to continue his campaign despite the attack.
His sister, Mariel, echoed his determination: “We’re not perfect, but our only desire is to serve with integrity. Even though we almost died, that won’t stop us. We will continue—for the town of Albuera, for truth, and for the people who believe in us. We will not retreat,” she posted on Facebook.
Col. Dionisio Apas, Jr., director of the Leyte Police Provincial Office, described the shooting as a “suspected election-related incident.”
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) condemned the incident, calling for swift action to ensure peaceful and orderly elections on May 12.
Comelec-8 legal officer Atty. Ma. Krishna Athena Elardo said a meeting with police and military officials has been set for April 15 to address election-related security concerns, including the attack on Espinosa.
“We condemn the shooting incident involving mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa as we are promoting peaceful and orderly elections in the region,” she said.
Albuera has been placed under the “yellow” category by Comelec, meaning it is an area of concern due to previous election-related incidents and the possible presence of private or partisan armed groups.
JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA
