Arrested Filipino drug lord wants government protection

Kerwin Espinosa

The alleged big-time Filipino drug lord arrested in Abu Dhabi last month wants to return home and be placed under the Philippine government's witness protection programme (WPP) so he can testify against his cohorts and reveal the extent of his operations.
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Kerwin Espinosa, tagged by the Philippine police as the number two most wanted person in connection with illegal drugs trade, is fearing for his life after his father, Albuera town mayor Rolando Espinosa, was recently gunned down in an alleged shootout inside a provincial jail in the Philippines.
Information: Abu Dhabi Police confirm arrest of Filipino drug lord Kerwin Espinosa
This was revealed to Khaleej Times by the Philippine ambassador Constancio Vingno, Jr who spoke to Kerwin on Thursday morning at Al Wathba Jail in Abu Dhabi.
"He is willing to testify and reveal everything about his involvement in the illegal drug trade as long as his safety and that of his family is assured," Vingno said in a phone interview with Khaleej Times.
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Vingno said there are no pending charges in the UAE against Espinosa who was arrested by the Abu Dhabi police on October 16 under orders from the Interpol.
"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he (Kerwin) can be home within two weeks after completion of paper work and getting police escort from the Philippines," Vingno said.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte tagged the elder Espinosa as one of the politicians linked to the illegal drugs trade. Mayor Espinosa, meanwhile, had named several officials, policemen and judges as being involved in the narcotics trade.
Kerwin arrived in Abu Dhabi using an authentic Philippine passport under his real name, Rolan Eslabon Espinosa, from Hong Kong on August 1.
Vingno said Kerwin, who has been in jail for almost a month, is in good physical condition but "he fears for his life if he ever returns home."
The Philippine ambassador also said Kerwin requested him to enlist the number of his wife at Al Wathba Jail so he can speak with her. 
Meanwhile, the Philippine Justice minister Vitaliano Aguirre II told reporters that "(Kerwin) could qualify for WPP because he appears to be not the most guilty (in the drug trafficking crime). When there's someone else from the government, then that person could be most guilty."
angel@khaleejtimes.com