PNP: Albuera peaceful despite Espinosa shooting

Despite the recent shooting of mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa in Albuera, Leyte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that the province remains generally peaceful.

Col. Dionisio Apas Jr., the provincial police director, emphasized during a press briefing that based on Comelec's decision, there is no need to place Albuera under a red category of election area concern.

According to PNP data, shooting incidents in Leyte decreased by almost 52 percent from 25 cases last year to 12 cases this year during the first quarter.

The case involving Espinosa remains isolated and is being thoroughly investigated without causing alarm; authorities are working to prevent similar incidents throughout the campaign period.

Seven police officers were arrested for carrying loose firearms in violation of the election gun ban following Espinosa's shooting on April 10, with five of the seized firearms being officially issued.