Albuera, Leyte Mayor Kerwin Espinosa voluntarily surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, February 5, along with two others facing murder charges.
Reports said the mayor and his companions were brought to the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cebu City following the issuance of arrest warrants. No bail is allowed for the accused.
Espinosa clarified that he was not hiding to evade arrest after his last public appearance in the municipality on January 20.
“Ginawa lamang niya ang ‘pagtatago’ upang protektahan ang sarili mula sa mga tangka ng kaaway,” he explained.
The mayor was indicted for murder in September 2024 in connection with an alleged killing in Baybay City.
Espinosa also appealed to his constituents for prayers for his safety during his surrender to authorities.