PNP confirms Kerwin Espinosa, two others wounded in shooting

The Philippine National Police confirmed a shooting incident involving self-confessed drug lord Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa, who is running for mayor of Albuera town. Espinosa was shot while campaigning around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, 10 April 2025.

Citing a police report released on Thursday evening, PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Jean Fajardo said Espinosa was waiting for his turn to speak when an unidentified gunman, hiding in the ceiling of the stage, fired a shot from behind.

Aside from Espinosa, his sister, Mariel Espinosa Marinay, who is running for vice mayor, and a minor from Barangay Tangas were also injured in the shooting incident.

“All victims were immediately brought by his close-in security utilizing their private car to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention,” the police report stated. 

Meanwhile, the Albuera Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the SWAT team, immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, and roadblocks were established.