NBI files new raps vs Kerwin, police coddlers

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday filed new charges against self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and nine police officers, including a general, who allegedly served as his protectors in the illegal drug trade in the Eastern Visayas from 2011 to 2016.

The NBI Task Force Against Illegal Drugs filed charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act against Espinosa and his cohorts before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In its transmittal letter dated Dec. 9, 2019, NBI Director Dante Gierran asked the National Prosecution Service to conduct a preliminary investigation of Espinosa and his alleged cohorts in the illegal drug trade in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces – Maj. Wilfredo Abordo, S/Sgt. Dennis Torrefiel, Marcelo Adorco, Maba Limbona, Brian Anthony Zaldivar, Galo Legaspi, Galo Bobares, Ferdinand Rondina, Jose Antipuesto, Jose Estrera, Nickjune Canin, Alfred Batistis, Josela Dumaguit, Baysay Custodio, Viberca Diano, Victor Espina Jr., Martin Espina and Marites Ang.

Brig. Gen. Asher Dolina, who served as Eastern Visayas police director, is the highest ranking police officer sued by the NBI for allegedly serving as Espinosa’s “coddler.”

Abordo and Torrefiel allegedly served as Espinosa’s supplier and distributor, while Dolina allegedly benefited in the drug trade through his “bagman” Victor Espina Jr., according to a matrix prepared by the NBI.

Adorco, Espinosa’s former driver, is a government state witness in Espinosa’s illegal drugs and firearms case before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

Victor Espina Jr. is the brotherin-law of retired Lt. Gen. Leonardo Espina, who served as officer-incharge of the Philippine National Police from 2014 to 2015.

Dolina was dismissed from service by the Ombudsman in 2015 for the allegedly anomalous procurement of rubber boats in 2009. He was reinstated by the Court of Appeals a year later.

The other alleged “coddlers” of Espinosa were Captains Eufracio Javines and Bernie Magamay, S/ Sgt. Roberto Arafol, Cpl. Marvin Parac, Col. Elizar Egloso and CMSgt.

Eduardo or Edgardo Betuin.

According to the NBI, Espinosa moved his drug trade from Cebu to Eastern Visayas in 2011. He was jailed in Ormoc until 2013 for illegal possession of firearms and frustrated murder.

But despite his detention for two years, “Kerwin(’s) drug trade flourished in Eastern Visayas through his cohorts, private armed men and coddlers,” the NBI said.

They were identified in an affidavit by Espinosa’s father, slain Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., as among those involved in his son’s drug trade.

The younger Espinosa faces multiple drug charges before the Department of Justice and the Manila and Makati regional trial courts.