Man tagged as Kerwin Espinosa’s right-hand man killed in anti-drug ops in Cebu City

A man tagged as the right-hand man of suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa has been killed, a TV report said Friday.

A report on GMA News' Unang Balita quoted Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 7 Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz as identifying the man as Julito Prak, 47.

Prak was killed in a buy-bust operation in his home at Sitio San Roque, Barangay Hipodromo, Cebu City.

Authorities recovered .38-caliber revolver and seven sachets of suspected shabu.

Prak ranked fourth on the watchlist of PDEA Region 7.

On Thursday, National Police chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said Kerwin, son of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., has sent surrender feelers. 

No timeline has been set for his surrender. 

Kerwin and his father have been asked by President Rodrigo Duterte to surrender or risk being killed if they resist arrest.

The mayor surrendered on Tuesday but Kerwin remains in hiding and was reported to have left for Malaysia on June 21, nine days before President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office on June 30. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/RSJ, GMA News