OUTGOING Mayor and Congressman-elect Jerry P. Treñas said he is willing to mediate among warring Espinosa family members to calm fears of waterfront traders and for Iloilo City to stay peaceful.
In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Treñas said he will be coordinating with his brother-in-law, incoming vice mayor Jose Espinosa III, for the peaceful resolution of the conflict affecting the Espinosas.
The incoming vice mayor is a first cousin of both protagonists Pascual "Toto E" Espinosa III and his brother Leo and Jesus "Jing" Espinosa Sr., whose son Jingjing Espinosa figured in the shootout with his father's cousins early morning of June 1 at Zamora St. in Barangay Monica.
"I am not siding with anyone but I want to help in my own small way to settle the Espinosa issue and diffuse the tension currently permeating the waterfront areas," Treñas said.
Toto E, currently being treated at St. Paul Hospital along with his brother, has declared war and vowed retribution against his first cousin Jing Sr. and nephew Jingjing.
Jing Sr. reportedly accepted the challenge of his first cousin, further dividing the Espinosa clan.
The first generation Espinosas were reportedly bosses of the waterfront arrastre services in the early 60s and 70s. Their hold was bolstered by the political power of the late city congressman Pascual Espinosa I, father of Jing Sr.
The late congressman had five brothers, namely Federico, Mores, Franco, Benny, and Deting. The first generation Espinosa brothers, all dead, have sons who took over the lucrative arrastre business at the local pier. The third generation Espinosa children are poised to inherit the trade.
Toto E underwent surgery after he sustained gunshot wounds in his chest, hand, and legs while Leo was hit in the right leg. Jingjing and an unidentified companion escaped and are nowhere to be found. (LCP)