Cebu court releases Kerwin due to lack of jurisdiction

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February 11, 2026 | 7:12pm

MANILA, Philippines — A Cebu court ordered the release of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Kerwin Espinosa, who was detained on February 5.

In an order dated February 10, the Cebu Regional Trial Court Branch 14 ordered the release of Espinosa and his co-accused, who are charged with murder, due to a lack of jurisdiction.

"In the instant case, the Information categorically states that the alleged crime occurred in Barangay Zone 10, Albuera, Leyte. Absent any allegation that the offense or any of its essential elements transpired in Cebu City, this Court cannot assume jurisdiction without violating settled procedural and constitutional principles," the court's order read.

"For lack of jurisdiction, the case must be returned to the judicial region having territorial jurisdiction over Albuera, Leyte, where the crime of murder was allegedly committed," it added.

Along with the recall of the warrant of arrest, the arraignment, which was supposed to take place on February 13, was canceled.

The murder for which Espinosa was accused allegedly occurred in Albuera, Leyte; however, the warrant of arrest was issued by Cebu RTC Branch 14.

Following the issuance of the warrant, Espinosa turned himself in to the NBI on February 5.