Comelec: Albuera, Leyte not red flagged despite Espinosa shooting

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) decided against classifying Albuera, Leyte under the red category despite the shooting of mayoral candidate Rolan "Kerwin" Espinosa.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified persons of interest, rendering a town-wide classification unnecessary for now.

Garcia explained that only a few individuals are believed to be responsible, and classifying the entire town could cause unnecessary alarm.

The PNP has confirmed seven police officers are in custody and are persons of interest in the shooting of Espinosa.

Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord, was shot in the right shoulder while at a campaign event.

Albuera is currently placed under the yellow category, which indicates a history of election-related incidents, possible private armed groups, and occurrences of election-related incidents.