A Cebu court has ordered the release of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolan (Kerwin) Espinosa and others, saying that it does not have jurisdiction over his murder case, according to a GMA News Online report. 

In a two-page order dated February 10, 2026, the Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 14 recalled and set aside the arrest warrant it issued against Espinosa. 

It also directed the jail warden of Cebu City Jail to release Espinosa unless he is being detained for another purpose, the report added. 

“Upon judicious re-evaluation of the record of this case, this Court found that it does not have the jurisdictional authority to try the case,” it said.

Espinosa surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation in early February 2026 after the court issued an arrest warrant against him.

The court said that the alleged murder took place in Albuera.

“Absent any allegation that the offense or any of its essential elements transpired in Cebu City, this Court cannot assume jurisdiction without violating settled procedural and constitutional principles,” it said.

The court directed the return of the case to Baybay City, Leyte RTC 14.

It also cancelled the arraignment set on February 13.