(Eagle News) — The 19 policemen tagged in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. have surrendered to authorities.
In a statement on Monday, the Philippine National Police said those who “voluntarily submitted themselves for accounting and investigation” were Supt. Marvin Marcos, Supt. Santi Noel Matira, Chief Insp. Leo Laraga, SP04 Melvin Cayobit, P03 Johnny Ibanez, Chief Insp. Calixto Canillas Jr., and SP04 Juanito Duarte.
Also included were P01 Lloyd Ortigueza, Senior Insp. Fritz Blanco, P01 Bhernard Orpilla, Senior Insp. Deogracias Diaz III, SP02 Benjamin Dacallos, P03 Norman Abellanosa, P01 Jerlan Cabiyaan, Insp. Lucrecito Candilosas, and SP02 Antonio Docil.
SP01 Mark Christian Cadilo, P02 Jhon Ruel Doculan, and P02 Jaime Bacsal also surrendered to the police.
According to the PNP, the 19 policemen were the subjects of warrants of arrest issued by Branch 14 Judge Carlos Arguelles of the Baybay City, Leyte court.
The warrants were in connection with the murder cases filed against them in connection with Espinosa’s killing in November last year.
Espinosa, whom President Rodrigo Duterte linked to the illegal drug trade, was killed while detained at the Baybay City Provincial Jail.
The suspects claimed the mayor had shot at them first during the implementation of a search warrant, prompting them to retaliate to defend themselves.
Espinosa had been arrested in October for illegal drug possession.
After several days, his son Kerwin, whom Duterte called a druglord, was arrested in Abu Dhabi.
According to Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar, regional director of the Police Regional Office 8, the 19 are now undergoing “booking procedures,” which include fingerprinting, the taking of mugshots and a medical examination, at the Criminal Investigation Detection Group regional unit.
He said they were waiting for the commitment order to be issued by the court which would specify where the suspects would be detained.
