PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said Wednesday, May 16, that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has provided additional evidence to strengthen their case against self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.
"May mga ebidensya naman 'yan. Sabi ko nga nasa appreciation yan ng ating korte. On our part nag-file kami ng motion for reconsideration (MR) and, of course, nagdagdag tayo ng panibagong ebidensya para sa motion natin and hopefully mag-stand itong fi-nile nating MR," he said.
He said they are leaving the fate of the drug charges they filed against Espinosa with the court.
Albayalde made the statement after Espinosa urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the drug complaint filed against him by the PNP-CIDG.
In his counter-affidavit, Espinosa insisted that the PNP failed to present evidence against him, particularly drugs and drug paraphernalia which may make him liable particularly for the violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
“Since the government could not prove that I ever had shabu in my possession, what would be the penalty that could be imposed on me?” Espinosa said in his counter affidavit.
Earlier, DOJ prosecutors ordered the dismissal of the drug charges filed by the CIDG-Major Crimes Investigation Unit (MICU) against Espinosa, Lim, Peter Co, Marcelo Adorco, Max Miro, Lovely Impal and at least 15 others including their alleged accomplices due to inconsistencies of the witness’ statement and for lack of evidence.
The ruling, which earned the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte, was issued despite Espinosa's admission that he was involved in the illegal drugs operations in Eastern Visayas.
The CIDG, however, filed a motion for reconsideration and included the records and transcriptions of Espinosa's admission during the Senate hearing.
A new panel of prosecutors was created to re-investigate the case. (SunStar Philippines)