Kerwin Espinosa proclaimed mayor of Albuera despite drug charges

Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, son of slain Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., was proclaimed the winner in the mayoral race in Albuera, Leyte on Monday based on partial and unofficial results.

Espinosa received 10,939 votes, defeating incumbent Mayor Sixto dela Victoria and Leyte provincial board member Vincent Rama, brother-in-law of Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez.

In a GMA Integrated News interview, Espinosa promised to prioritize peace and order and address the illegal drugs problem in Albuera if he assumes office.

Espinosa was wounded during a campaign event on April 10 and later filed a frustrated murder complaint against seven police officers allegedly involved in the shooting.

Despite facing drug-related charges and allegations, Espinosa claims he is a victim of circumstances and aims to prove that he was not a drug lord.