THE Department of Justice has offered assistance to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in relation to the custody of Eastern Visayas drug trader Kerwin Espinosa.
In a radio interview with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, he said he is coordinating with PNP Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa concerning Espinosa and his family's protection.
"I wrote a letter to General Bato offering the services of the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the DOJ (Department of Justice) in connection to the custody of Kerwin as well as his desire to be placed under the WPP (Witness Protection Program)," he said.
According to Aguirre, dela Rosa himself requested him for assistance in protecting Epinosa, a potential state witness against the narco-officials who happened to be protectors of illegal drug trade in the country.
"Tinawagan ako ni General Bato and he requested me na magkaroon ng assistance ng DOJ at NBI," he said.
Aguirre also considers placing under the DOJ's protection Kerwin's relatives, including his brother, who will be executing an affidavit to corroborate the claims of the slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
The Justice Secretary said these individuals can be placed under the WPP "as long as they are qualified."
"Dapat sila proteksyunan dahil hind malayo na mag-attempt uli ang mga nasa likod ng pagpatay o kung may motibo talaga na patayin si Mayor ay pigilan na tumestigo sila," Aguirre said.
Espinosa arrived in the country last Friday after he was arrested in Abu Dhabi last month. He is now detained at the PNP detention facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (Sunnex)