Ched Rick Gatchalian

Kerwin Espinosa attends his hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court on April 6, 2018. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

 

Article (news)

Kerwin Espinosa, other co-accused surrender to NBI

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177028168710920180406-kerwin-espinosa-hearing-12-JC.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Kerwin Espinosa attends his hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court on April 6, 2018. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file</div>MANILA (2nd UPDATE) — Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa and his two other co-accused surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cebu on Thursday, February 5.This after the Cebu Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 issued an arrest warrant against Espinosa and several others over a murder case.No bail was recommended.In a video message posted earlier on Thursday morning, Espinosa called on his supporters to pray for his safety.He said the warrant for his arrest was released around 10 a.m. on the same day.&quot;Papunta na ako sa mga alagad ng batas para sumurrender. Hindi na natin paaabutin na i-serve pa nila ang warrant. Ipagdasal na lang ninyo ang aking safety sa aking buhay, ang mga Albueranos, at &#x27;yung mga taong nagmahal sa &#x27;kin, pati na &#x27;yung mga hindi nagmahal. Ipagdasal niyo na lang ang aking pag-surrender na walang mangyaring masama,&quot; he said.Espinosa’s legal counsel, Atty. Raymund Palad, said the mayor had been in Cebu as early as the previous day, already prepared to surrender once the warrant was released.“Yesterday, nasa Cebu siya hinihintay niya lumabas yung warrant, gusto na niya sumurrender kahapon pa and then kanina, nalaman ko na nag-surrender na siya sa NBI Cebu at ang latest info ay magmemedical at itu-turnover daw siya sa BJMP.”The NBI Central Visayas confirmed that two other suspects linked to the murder case also surrendered alongside Espinosa.Despite the charges, Espinosa’s camp maintained that the mayor is innocent. Atty. Palad said they had spoken with the complainants’ family in Leyte, who allegedly expressed confusion over Espinosa’s inclusion in the case.“Noong makausap nila ang pamilya noong two weeks ago, mismong sila nagtataka bakit nadadamay si Mayor Espinosa sa murder na yan… yung mismong family ng victim, ay hindi naman daw siya dinedemanda, kaya were hoping na ma-set agad for arraignment yan, and then yung pamilya ng biktima… is that hoping kami na i-uurong nila ang demanda.”In a statement, Atty. Mary Louise B. Reyes, legal counsel for Albuera Vice Mayor Mariel Marinay, sister of Espinosa, said the case remains under judicial consideration.“At this time, we cannot discuss the specific details of the case, including the circumstances or timeline, as these matters are now sub judice and properly within the jurisdiction of the court. What we can confirm is that the warrant relates to an alleged incident in Baybay City, Leyte, adjacent to the Municipality of Albuera. Based on the records, the alleged incident is reported to have taken place around September 2024.&quot;&quot;Mayor Kerwin voluntarily surrendered to the NBI Cebu earlier this afternoon upon learning of it. This voluntary surrender underscores that he had no intention of evading the law. Mayor Kerwin maintains his innocence and categorically denies the allegations. He will address them through the proper legal process,&quot;  Reyes said in a statement.Espinosa became a controversial public figure in 2016 after he and his family were linked to illegal drug allegations during the Duterte administration.In April 2025, Espinosa and his sister, Mariel Espinosa-Marinay, survived a shooting incident while campaigning in a barangay in Albuera. Both later won in the May elections, with Espinosa elected mayor and Marinay as vice mayor.Following Espinosa’s detention, Vice Mayor Marinay is expected to assume leadership of the municipality in an acting capacity.Espinosa is currently detained at the Cebu City Jail while awaiting arraignment.Vice Mayor Mariel Espinosa, is expected to assume his duties and responsibilities a mayor. -- with a report from Ranulfo Docdocan

Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa and his two other co-accused surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cebu on Thursday, February 5, 1 p.m.

Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa and his two other co-accused surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cebu on Thursday, February 5, 1 p.m.

Kerwin Espinosa, other co-accused in murder case surrender to NBI

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Kerwin Espinosa, other co-accused in murder case surrender to NBI

Ched Rick Gatchalian,

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 05, 2026 04:52 PM PHT

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Updated Feb 05, 2026 08:59 PM PHT

Read More:

Kerwin Espinosa

NBI

Cebu

Arrest warrant

Murder

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