DOJ welcomes arrest of Kerwin Espinoza in Abu Dhabi

MANILA -- Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday welcomed the arrest of Kerwin Espinosa, a suspected drug lord in Eastern Visayas, stressing that the latter can be considered a possible witness in the drug charges against former DOJ Secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima.Aguirre said he hopes that Espinosa will decide to be a witness and reveal his alleged links to De Lima, who is facing charges for allegedly conspiring with other former officials in collecting drug money from high-profile inmates in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Kung papayag siya but I’m sure baka pumayag yun. Kung papasa sa assessment ng WPP (Witness Proetection Program) then we are going to offer immunity to Kerwin, Aguirre told reporters.Espinosa who was listed as number two in the list of National High Value Target on Illegal Drugs and the son of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr, was arrested in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by virtue of a Red Notice issued by Interpol-Lyons, France by the State Security Department (SSD) of UAE with the help of Criminal Investigation Division of Abu Dhabi Police.The warrant of arrest served on Espinosa was issued by the Regional Trial Court of Baybay, Leyte for illegal possession of firearms.So far, the documents for Espinosa's extradition are being processed.The Espinosas were among the first to be publicly accused by President Rodrigo Duterte of involvement in the drug trade. Soon after, the older Espinosa turned himself in to Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa and eventually returned to Albuera to resume his duties.The mayor of Albuera, Leyte was also arrested for violation of RA 9165.Aguirre said that Espinosa and De Lima were both named respondents in the drug charges filed before the Office of the Ombudsman - Visayas last week by Albuera, Leyte chief of police Chief Inspector Juvie Espinido.Meanwhile, Aguirre who is celebrating his 70th birthday wished for a drug-free, a crime-free and a corruption-free Philippines. God has been good to me, he has blessed me with all that I could ask for, most importantly, the love of my family. As such, my foremost birthday wish now is to fulfill the mandate given by President Rodrigo Duterte to me when he appointed me to head the Department of Justice, Aguirre said. There is so much to be done by way of achieving these lofty objectives. We are in the process of cleaning house at the DOJ, so to speak. I believe that we are on the right track and I thank the cooperative officials and employees of the DOJ Family for helping me in these efforts, the DOJ Secretary added.Aguirre meanwhile reiterated his commitment to serve the Filipino people as he earnestly works to make justice more inclusive for everyone. (PNA)