Leyte: Despite the recent shooting of Albuera mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa, the province of Leyte is generally peaceful, assured the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Dionisio Apas, Jr., the Leyte police provincial director, stated that there is no need to categorize Albuera town as a red election area of concern, based on the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). “The office remains steadfast in uncovering the truth, ensuring justice, and preserving peace and order,” Apas conveyed during a press briefing.
Apas highlighted a significant decline in shooting incidents in the province, citing that the first quarter of 2025 witnessed a notable decrease compared to the previous year. “Last year, for the first quarter, we recorded 25 shooting incidents. However, for this year, we only recorded 12 shooting incidents. The decrease is almost 52 percent, and it is a good indicator,” he explained.
The shooting incident involving Espinosa is considered isolated and is being thoroughly investigated. Apas assured that this incident will not impede the campaigning efforts of local candidates. “Albuera is still peaceful. You will notice that Espinosa and other candidates have been campaigning after the shooting incident,” he added.
Police have emphasized that, despite the ongoing investigation, there is no cause for alarm. Authorities are actively working to prevent similar incidents and are committed to maintaining peace throughout the campaign period and beyond.
Espinosa was injured during a campaign event in Tinag-an village on April 10, when an unidentified gunman attacked him. Shortly after the incident, seven police officers in civilian clothes were arrested in a nearby residential area, where witnesses reported the shooter had fled.
These officers are now facing charges related to carrying loose firearms, a violation of the election gun ban. Apas noted that of the 14 firearms voluntarily surrendered by the officers, only five were officially issued, one belonged to a civilian, and eight were classified as loose.
Espinosa is competing against Vince Rama and the incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria for the mayoral position.
