2 convicted over Masbate solon's slaying, rival cleared

Two of nine persons linked to the 1989 assassination of former Masbate Rep. Moises Espinosa Sr. were convicted of murder, GMA 7s DZBB radio reported Friday. Former Masbate Gov. Antonio Kho, the late lawmaker’s political rival, and six other accused were acquitted "for insufficient evidence" over the killing. Makati regional trial court branch 141 Judge Manuel Victorio found sufficient evidence to convict in absentia Florencio Fernandez Jr. and alleged gunman Jimmy Cabarles. Espinosa was shot dead at the Masbate airport on March 17, 1989. Others linked to the crime include Nestor Lim, Jaime Liwanag, and Jolly Fernandez. At large are Ronnie Fernandez, Rene Tualla and Zaldy Dumalag. Victorio also ordered those convicted to pay the Espinosa family P50,000 each as civil indemnity, and another P50,000 in moral damages. The promulgation of sentence was originally scheduled Tuesday but Bagalihog and Fernandez reportedly could not get a flight from Masbate to Manila. Last week, after 11 years of trial, Kho was acquitted in a murder case filed by the heirs of the late Masbate Rep. Tito Espinosa. Tito Espinosa was gunned down on Feb. 28, 1995 at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road in Quezon City. In May that year, Kho ran and won as governor of the province.-GMANews.TV