Kerwin Espinosa Surrenders to NBI in Cebu Following Murder Arrest Warrant
In a significant development, Rolan Espinosa, widely known as Kerwin Espinosa, the mayor of Albuera, Leyte, has surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-Cevro) in Cebu City. This action comes after the issuance of an arrest warrant against him and his associates for murder charges.
Details of the Surrender and Arrest Warrant
Espinosa arrived at the NBI-Cevro office located on N. Escario Street, Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City, at 10:45 AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The warrant was issued by Hon. Merlo Pasco Bagano, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cebu City, and is non-bailable under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to murder.
Accompanying Espinosa in the surrender were Eddie Mar Demingoy Mitra, alias Rico Francisco, and Marcelo Adorco, alias "Loloy" and "Ronel," who are also implicated in the same murder case. The NBI 7 has confirmed their custody and the legal basis for the arrest.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Espinosa has been linked to the murder case that occurred in Baybay City, Leyte, with charges filed against him in September 2024. He has denied allegations of hiding, stating that his absence from public view since January 20 was due to security risks rather than evasion.
This is not the first legal challenge for Espinosa; he faced previous charges for illegal possession of firearms and drugs in 2021 and 2024 but was acquitted. However, in March 2024, the Court of Appeals revived the case, ordering the Manila Regional Trial Court to proceed with hearings. As part of this ongoing legal process, the court has mandated the forfeiture of Espinosa's multimillion-peso assets, including real estate properties in Leyte and Misamis Oriental, 13 vehicles, and various bank accounts. The court believes these assets were acquired through illegal activities.
Political Implications and Succession
Despite these legal troubles, Espinosa successfully ran for mayor of Albuera, Leyte, and won in the May 2025 elections. Following his surrender, his position will be temporarily filled by his sibling and Vice Mayor Mariel Marinay, ensuring continuity in local governance.
The surrender marks a pivotal moment in this high-profile case, highlighting the intersection of politics, crime, and justice in the Philippines. Authorities continue to investigate the broader implications of the charges and the forfeited assets.
