7 cops charged over illegal firearms in Kerwin Espinosa case

Seven police officers have been charged with illegal possession of firearms and violation of the gun ban in connection with the shooting of confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

The Leyte Police Provincial Office filed the complaint, naming a police colonel, a lieutenant colonel, a staff sergeant, three corporals, and a patrolwoman.

Eight of the 14 firearms voluntarily surrendered by the officers were found to be unregistered.

The officers claimed they were on a mission to serve a warrant of arrest for an unrelated individual.

Police Colonel Dionisio Apas Jr. stated that direct evidence linking the officers to Espinosa's crime is still being gathered.

Frustrated murder charges may also be filed against the officers once more evidence is collected.

Paraffin tests on the officers yielded negative results, but these are not considered conclusive by the PNP.