Kerwin Espinosa files frustrated murder raps vs 7 Ormoc cops

Albuera, Leyte mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa filed frustrated murder charges against seven Ormoc City police officers before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Baybay City, Leyte on April 24.

The charges stem from a shooting incident on April 10 in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, where Espinosa, his sister Mariel, and a minor were wounded.

The involved officers, including former Ormoc City police director Police Col. Reydante Ariza, were found in civilian clothing within a compound where a suspected getaway vehicle was located during a pursuit operation.

The Leyte Provincial Police Office has also filed charges of illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban against the seven police officers.

Espinosa believes the attempt on his life was politically motivated and stated he had received death threats prior to the shooting.

As the Philippine National Police continues its investigation, Ariza has been relieved as police chief of Ormoc City.