Espinosa to file charges vs 7 Ormoc policemen 

ORMOC CITY — Albuera mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa has asked his lawyer to prepare criminal charges against two top officers and seven members of the Ormoc City Police Office before the Leyte Provincial Prosecutors Office in Baybay City in connection with the gun attack during a campaign sortie on April 10, 2025.

Espinosa, who survived the attack, told the local media at his residence in Barangay Benolho, Albuera, that his lawyer is preparing a case against Ormoc City Police director Col. Reydante Ariza, intelligence officer Lt. Col. Leonedes Sydipmgco and the seven police officers who are now held under police custody.

The seven policemen were identified as Sgt. Alexander Astilla, Capt. Arman Jose Baronda, Corp. Jeffrey Daclag, Corp. Alejander Reponte, Sgt. Arlos Jade Astilla and Pat. Maricor Espinosa, all of the Ormoc City Police Office based at Camp Downes.

"My lawyer is now preparing the criminal charges for frustrated murder to be filed before the Leyte Provincial Prosecutors Office in Baybay City anytime today against the seven Ormoc City Police Office officers for the shooting yesterday afternoon," Espinosa said.

The seven police officers have been placed under restrictive custody by the Leyte Police Provincial Office for possible involvement in the shooting of the confessed drug lord and Albuera mayoral candidate, the police said.

Espinosa was wounded on his right hand and has left the private hospital against the advise of his doctor, explaining he does not feel safe in the hospital.

He said the shooting will not discourage him from his campaign. He also believes that the shooting incident was politically motivated.