Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa resumed work on February 16 following his release from Cebu City Jail last week.
His sister, Vice Mayor Mariel Espinosa Marinay, had temporarily taken over his duties after arrest warrants were issued against him and four others for the 2024 murder of Watari in Baybay City.
The victim’s wife visited Espinosa’s office, claiming she was not fully aware of the affidavit she signed implicating the mayor and denying knowledge of her husband’s killer.
Espinosa maintained that he did not know the victim or his family and appealed to them to speak the truth.
He expressed surprise at being named the mastermind and called for assistance in proving his lack of connection to the case.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 18, 2026
