7 cops charged for loose firearms in Kerwin Espinosa shooting

Seven police officers involved in the shooting of Kerwin Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord and mayoralty candidate in Albuera, Leyte, have been charged for carrying loose firearms during the election period.

Leyte Police Provincial Director Col. Dionisio Apas stated that out of 14 voluntarily surrendered firearms, only five were officially issued, one belonged to a civilian, and eight were unregistered or unauthorized under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and the election gun ban.

The seized weapons included six 5.56 caliber rifles, two .45 caliber pistols, one Mini Uzi submachine gun, and five 9mm pistols; forensic tests confirmed all firearms were operational but showed no traces of gunpowder residue on the officers' hands or clothing.

Espinosa was shot during a campaign event in Tinag-an village on April 10, and seven police officers were arrested hours later in a nearby residential area where witnesses said the shooter had fled. They are now under administrative custody pending further investigation.

Police officials continue to investigate potential motives for the shooting amid claims of political influence, noting Espinosa's support for rival candidate Vicente Veloso III against incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria and his opponent Vince Rama.