Kerwin’s supporter shot dead

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A supporter of controversial mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa was gunned down in Barangay Tinag-an in Albuera, Leyte last Tuesday.

The victim, identified as Meliton Mayol Jr. of Barangay Benolho, was in a tricycle with his live-in partner when two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire.

Mayol was rushed to a hospital in Ormoc City, where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Police said the gunmen’s motorcycle was found abandoned near the town’s cemetery. No other details were provided.

Mayol was identified by his townmates as one of the active supporters of Espinosa, who was previously tagged as a drug trafficker.

Kerwin’s father, former Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa, was also jailed over drug charges.

The elder Espinosa was killed inside his detention cell in Baybay City by police who were supposedly serving a search warrant.

Capt. Julio Tamayo Jr., Albuera police chief, said the Philippine National Police is “committed to finding justice” for Mayol and his family, as he called on witnesses to provide information about the killing.