Two accused in Kerwin Espinosa drug case already dead

Two co-accused of self-confessed drug distributor Kerwin Espinosa in drug and conspiracy charges were already dead by the time they were summoned anew by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Documents show and confirmation by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera revealed that accused Nelson "Jun" Pepito and Max Miro were killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen and policemen, respectively.

According to a police certification, Pepito, 48, was killed by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in the morning of Dec. 1, 2017 in Sitio Canlugo, Barangay Seguinon, Albuera, Leyte.

This corresponds a handwritten note, dated March 26, on his return subpoena that indicates he was killed by unidentified persons.

Miro's return subpoena also indicated that he was killed by police officers in an operation by the Ormoc City Police Station in Barangay Bantigue on March 10.

A report on GMA News' Balitanghali last March 11 said Miro was killed after shooting at policemen serving a warrant of arrest issued by the local court against him.

Miro was also a resident of Albuera town, and was staying at his live-in partner's home in Ormoc City when killed by policemen.

Albuera is Espinosa's hometown, where his father, Ronaldo Espinosa Sr., served as mayor.

The elder Espinosa surrendered to the police after being named as among the public officials involved in drugs. He was killed by policemen in a raid inside his detention cell in a sub-provincial jail in Leyte.

Pepito and Miro were among the individuals summoned by the panel of DOJ prosecutors assigned to further investigate the case, following the public outcry that resulted from another panel's dismissal of charges against the alleged drug personalities. —ALG, GMA News