Filipino drug lord to be deported
ABU DHABI — The alleged high profile Filipino drug lord nabbed in Abu Dhabi last month will be deported this week to face charges against him back home, a high ranking Filipino police officer confirmed to Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
“We are just finalising some papers, but the repatriation of Kerwin (number 2 on the most wanted list by the Philippine National Police (PNP), in connection with the illegal drugs trade will definitely happen this week,” said senior superintendent Albert Ferro, acting director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Illegal Drugs Group.
Ferro, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday to escort Espinosa back home, also coordinated with the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last month following an anonymous tip-off which led to his arrest.
Kerwin, whose real name is Rolan Eslabon Espinosa, was arrested by the Abu Dhabi Police on October 16 under orders from Interpol.
Fearing for his life back home, Kerwin asked Ambassador Constancio Vingno Jr. last week that he be placed under Philippine government’s witness protection programme (WPP).
“He (Kerwin) is ready to testify against his (government) protectors and he would like to reveal the extent of his operations,” Vingno told Khaleej Times. “He said he will execute a sworn statement and identify his cohorts. If he does it, his revelation will open a can of worms.”
Kerwin also requested that his common-law wife and three young children be given protection by the Philippine government.
“Kerwin has no pending cases in the UAE and is being treated well in jail. He’s given the opportunity to talk with his lawyer,” Vingno added.
“Kerwin wil be escorted home by three police officials. There is protocol to be followed for the turnover but since he is a high-profile personality, he will be isolated from the other passengers on the plane.”
Meanwhile, a source told Khaleej Times that Sandra Cam, who claims she facilitated Kerwin’s arrest, spoke to his common-law wife and promised to give her employment in the UAE. According to reports, Cam owns a travel agency in Abu Dhabi. -angel@khaleejtimes.com
(Kerwin) is ready to testify against his (government) protectors and he would like to reveal the extent of his operations. If he does it, his revelation will open a can of worms.”