Mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa was shot while attending a campaign event in Barangay Tinag-an on April 10, 2025.
The incident happened around 4:30 PM while he was waiting for his turn to speak inside a gym.
Based on police reports, the gunman was hiding in the ceiling behind the stage and suddenly fired a shot at Espinosa.
Two other people were also hurt—vice mayoral candidate Mariel Espinosa Marinay and a young boy.
All three were quickly brought to the hospital by Espinosa’s security team.
Police are now searching for the suspect and have set up checkpoints in nearby areas.
So far, the reason behind the shooting is still unknown.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) strongly condemned the attack.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that violence should never be part of the elections.
He added that those behind the shooting must be caught and punished.
Kerwin Espinosa is a known figure in the country because of his past involvement in illegal drugs.
In 2016, he admitted during a Senate hearing that he was part of the drug trade, which led many to call him a drug lord.
Now, Espinosa says he wants to turn his life around.
He is running for mayor in Albuera, hoping to help solve the drug problem in his hometown.
He said the death of his father, former Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was killed in jail in 2016, changed his life.
Many are surprised by his comeback, and the recent shooting has raised safety concerns as the 2025 elections approach.
The police are still looking for leads to solve the case.
In addition to Kerwin Espinosa, vice mayoral candidate Mariel Espinosa Marinay and a minor were also hurt during the incident. All victims were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Yes, in 2016, Kerwin Espinosa admitted his involvement in the illegal drug trade during a Senate inquiry. This led to his public reputation as a “self-confessed drug lord.” However, he is now seeking to turn his life around and is running for mayor to fight against drugs in his community.
Kerwin Espinosa is running for mayor of Albuera, Leyte, under the Bando Espinosa-Pundok Kausaban party. He is seeking to continue his family’s political legacy, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.
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