Armed men seen in Albuera campaign

CEBU CITY — The presence of several armed men at a campaign event for Albuera mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa has drawn public concern and renewed scrutiny, particularly amid the implementation of gun ban by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

A footage circulating on social media showed at least five individuals with visible firearms inside the covered court in Barangay Tinag-an, where Espinosa was shot during the April 10 rally.

The photos, posted on a Facebook page called "Maskara," showed four of the men wearing blue-and-white shirts with the logo of Espinosa's political party, Bando Espinosa Pundok Kauswagan (BEPK).

Another individual appeared to be in military-style clothing, though the authenticity of the uniform has not been verified. They were seen holding handguns shortly after the shooting incident.

Under Comelec Resolution 10918, the gun ban is in effect from Jan. 12 to June 11, 2025.

During this time, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorized by the commission through a Certificate of Authority.

Violators may face imprisonment of one to six years, permanent disqualification from public office, and revocation of their firearm license.

Authorities have not yet identified the armed individuals in the footage, and it remains unclear if they were security personnel or supporters.

There has been no confirmation that they were questioned or subjected to paraffin testing.

Public reaction online has been mixed, with some calling for an investigation into the presence of firearms at the rally, while others raised concerns over the safety of candidates and supporters in the current political climate.

Meanwhile, several reports indicate that Maj. Angelo Sibunga, Albuera's police chief, was seen with BEPK members questioning seven Ormoc City police officers after the shooting.

The officers, now considered persons of interest, tested negative for gunpowder residue and remain in the custody of the Leyte Police Provincial Office as the investigation continues.

Espinosa, who sustained injuries during the incident, broke his silence in a Facebook Live session shortly after he was shot. He denied claims that the shooting incident during a campaign sortie here was "staged."

"Who would deliberately aim to get shot near their heart? This was no staged event," Espinosa said.