Filipino drug lord will turn state witness after extradition

The alleged big-time Filipino drug lord nabbed in Abu Dhabi last month will be deported this week to face the charges against him back home, a high ranking Filipino police officer confirmed to Khaleej Times on Tuesday.

"We are just finalising some papers but the repatriation of Kerwin (number two on the most wanted list by the Philippine National Police, in connection with illegal drugs trade) will definitely happen this week," said senior superintendent Albert Ferro, acting director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Illegal Drugs Group.
Also read: Filipino drug lord wants government protection

Ferro, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday to escort Espinosa back home, also coordinated with the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last month following an anonymous tip-off which led to the arrest of Kerwin.

Kerwin, whose real name is Rolan Eslabon Espinosa, was arrested by the Abu Dhabi Police on October 16 under orders by the Interpol. He entered Dubai with his family from Hong Kong using an authentic Philippine passport on August 1 and allegedly stayed at a friend's house in Abu Dhabi.

Kerwin, whose father, Albuera town mayor Rolando Espinosa, was recently gunned down in an alleged shootout inside a provincial jail in the Philippines, is currently detained at Al Wathba Jail in Abu Dhabi.
Also read: This is the tourist visa Filipino drug lord used to enter UAE

Mayor Espinosa surrendered to the PNP after being named by President Rodrigo Duterte as one of the narco-politicians in August. The town mayor denied the allegation but confirmed that his son Kerwin was into the narcotics business. He also submitted a list of their coddlers in the government.

Fearing for his life once he returns home, Kerwin asked Ambassador Constancio Vingno  Jr. last week that he be placed under Philippine government's witness protection programme.

"He (Kerwin) is ready to testify against his (government) protectors and he would like to reveal the extent of his operations," Vingno told Khaleej Times.



"He said he will execute a sworn statement and identify his cohorts," Vingno added. "If he does it, his revelation will open a can of worms, and it will corroborate the testament of his deceased father."

Vingno said Kerwin also requested that his common-law wife and three young children be given protection by the Philippine government. Vingno added that he is still waiting for the wife of Kerwin to personally request for diplomatic assistance.

"Kerwin has no pending cases in the UAE and he is being treated well inside the jail. He's given opportunity to talk with his lawyer," Vingno added.

He added: "Kerwin will be escorted home by three police officials. There is protocol to be followed for the turnover but since he is a high-profile personality he will be isolated from the other passengers in the plane."

"He has to face all the charges but if he will be turned into a state witness and name names, he will be deemed least guilty and will perhaps be given immunity," Vingno pointed out.

Meanwhile, a source told Khaleej Times that Sandra Cam, who claims she facilitated the arrest of Kerwin, spoke to the common-law wife of Kerwin and promised to give her employment in the UAE. According to reports, Cam owns a travel agency in Abu Dhabi.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi
• Philippines

Angel Tesorero

angel@khaleejtimes.com