By Benjamin Cuaresma
TACLOBAN CITY — Albuera Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa has turned over his loose firearms to the local police, saying he did so without hesitation to demonstrate his compliance with the law and with authorities.
Espinosa said the surrender followed the police directive for individuals possessing loose firearms to turn them over to authorities.
“I complied with the law without hesitation to prove that I am sincerely a law-abiding citizen now,” Espinosa said in a statement posted on his social media account Saturday, Aug. 22.
He did not disclose the number or types of firearms he surrendered.
Espinosa, however, said he would retain a firearm that is properly licensed, citing the need for personal protection.
“I will keep the firearm that is licensed as protection for myself against people who may have bad intentions toward my life, especially now that I have become the father of the town of Albuera,” he said.
The firearms turnover comes amid intensified police efforts to locate and account for loose firearms and ensure compliance with licensing and registration requirements.
The campaign has gained added attention following recent shooting incidents involving students, including cases in which minors were reportedly found to have used government-owned firearms.
Espinosa has previously faced allegations linking him to the illegal drug trade, accusations he has denied. He has also undergone legal proceedings arising from such allegations.
As mayor, Espinosa said his decision to surrender the loose firearms was intended to underscore his willingness to cooperate with authorities and uphold the law.
ia/xf
