Espinosa family seeks police protection after mayor's death

The family of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa is seeking protection from the Philippine National Police (PNP) due to the threats they received following his death in an alleged shootout with policemen over the weekend.

A report by GMA News' Jay Sabale quoted a relative who wished not to be identified as saying that the family has been informed about people hovering over where Espinosa's wake is being held.

One even came to say the mayor's child will be killed next, while others take photos and "profile" those who come to the wake, it added.

The mayor and another inmate, drug suspect Raul Yap, were killed by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Region 8 during an alleged shootout inside the provincial jail on the wee hours of Saturday.

The Espinosa family is asking PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa for help as they worry about their security, Sabale's report said.

Because of threats they are also wary about the deportation of the mayor's son, Kerwin, an alleged drug lord who was arrested in Abu Dhabi last week. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News