Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and photos from social media surfaced this week showing several armed men believed to be associated with mayoral candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa, moments after he was shot on April 10 inside a covered court in Brgy. Tinag-an.
At least five individuals can be seen wielding handguns in the video, some wearing blue and white T-shirts with the print “Bando Espinosa Pundok Kausaban (BEPK),” the name of Espinosa’s local party. The images, posted by a Facebook page called Maskara on April 18, quickly went viral, raising concerns over potential violations of the nationwide election gun ban.
Election gun ban under scrutiny
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has a standing directive under Resolution No. 11067 banning firearms in public places from January 12 to June 11, 2025. Even licensed gun holders are not allowed to carry weapons during this period unless granted written permission by the commission.
Violators face penalties ranging from one to six years of imprisonment, permanent disqualification from public office, loss of voting rights, and deportation in the case of foreign nationals.
Despite the law, the five armed men in the footage remain unidentified and at large. Some residents questioned why Espinosa’s security appeared armed during a political event. Concerned netizens have also called on authorities to clarify whether local police had reviewed the footage.
Police involvement raises more questions
Unverified claims have emerged implicating Albuera Police Chief Major Angelo Sibunga. He was allegedly seen in the company of men wearing BEPK shirts when seven police officers — persons of interest in the shooting — were detained at a nearby private beach resort. The resort sits only 100 meters from the shooting location.
All seven officers tested negative for gunpowder residue in paraffin tests and are currently under the custody of the Leyte Police Provincial Office.
Meanwhile, Espinosa is continuing his recovery at a local hospital. In a Facebook Live broadcast on April 20, he offered words of forgiveness toward those responsible for the attempt on his life. Speaking in Cebuano, he shared how the idea of revenge never entered his mind, and instead, he would simply pray for their forgiveness.
Espinosa, a controversial figure due to his past drug-related confessions, remains under tight security. His appeal for protection from the Commission on Elections and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still pending.
Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the gunman or the motive behind the attack.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.