Kerwin Espinosa Shooting: 5 Alarming Truths Behind the Manhunt

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting has sent shockwaves through Albuera, Leyte, as police hunt for the hitman who targeted the controversial mayoral candidate and self-confessed drug lord during a campaign rally on April 10, 2025. The attack, which left Espinosa, his sister Mariel, and a young girl wounded, unfolded in Barangay Tinag-an, raising fears of escalating violence ahead of the May 2025 elections. With the Albuera municipal police and Special Weapons and Tactics team in pursuit, questions swirl about the motive and masterminds behind this brazen act. This blog uncovers five critical truths about the incident, its context, and what it means for Albuera’s future.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Kerwin Espinosa Shooting
• Details of the April 10 Attack
• Who Is Kerwin Espinosa?
• The Manhunt: Police Response and Challenges
• Theories Behind the Shooting’s Motive
• Impact on Albuera’s Election Season
• Conclusion: A Community on Edge

Introduction to the Kerwin Espinosa Shooting

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting on April 10, 2025, has gripped Tacloban City and beyond, spotlighting the volatile mix of politics and past controversies in Albuera, Leyte. Kerwin Espinosa, running for mayor under his local party, was shot in the chest while campaigning, an attack that also injured his sister Mariel, a vice-mayoral candidate, and a minor. The Albuera police, backed by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), have launched a manhunt for the gunman, vowing to uncover the truth. As reported by

, this incident has heightened tensions in a town already scarred by its drug-war legacy, raising urgent questions about safety and justice.

Details of the April 10 Attack

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. at a gymnasium in Barangay Tinag-an, where Espinosa and his slate were meeting supporters. According to police reports, the gunman, hiding in the ceiling above the stage, fired at Espinosa from behind as he sat awaiting his speech. The bullet struck his chest, near his shoulder, while shrapnel or additional shots wounded Mariel and a girl in the crowd. Espinosa’s security rushed him to a hospital in Ormoc City, where he stabilized by April 11. A councilor candidate, Carl Kevin Batistis, confirmed the attack via social media, noting the chaos that ensued. Police found an SUV linked to the getaway but have yet to identify the shooter.

Who Is Kerwin Espinosa?

Kerwin Espinosa, 42, is a polarizing figure in Philippine politics. The son of slain Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., he gained notoriety during Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, accused of running a major drug operation in Eastern Visayas after a 2016 raid uncovered PHP11 million in shabu near his family’s home. Arrested in Dubai and deported to Manila, Espinosa admitted involvement but later saw multiple drug charges dismissed, including a key case in 2023 by Baybay City’s Regional Trial Court. Now running for mayor to “continue his father’s legacy,” Espinosa remains a target of scrutiny, with ongoing money laundering charges in Pasay City. His campaign, under Bando Espinosa-Pundok Kausaban, pledges reform but stirs old wounds.

The Manhunt: Police Response and Challenges

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting prompted an immediate response from the Albuera police, who, with PRO-8’s SWAT team, initiated a hot pursuit operation. Checkpoints were set up across Leyte, and authorities recovered an SUV believed to be the getaway vehicle in Tinag-an. PRO-8’s statement on April 11 emphasized efforts to “determine the motive and ensure justice,” urging the public to share tips. However, challenges loom: the gunman’s stealth suggests planning, and Espinosa’s claim that police may be involved—made in a hospital interview with Rappler—complicates trust. Seven officers are now persons of interest, per the Philippine National Police, adding layers to an already murky investigation.

Theories Behind the Shooting’s Motive

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting has sparked speculation about its roots. Espinosa himself alleged a “big politician” orchestrated the attack, claiming in a Facebook Live post that it was meant to derail his candidacy. His sister Mariel echoed this, suggesting the intent was to “silence” their family. Others point to Albuera’s drug-war history—Espinosa’s father was killed in a 2016 jail raid, and supporters like Meliton Mayol Jr. were gunned down in 2024—hinting at revenge or rivalries. Political opponents may also fear Espinosa’s influence, given his promise to disrupt local “businesses.” Without a named suspect, these theories fuel unease, with the Commission on Elections condemning the violence and calling for answers.

Impact on Albuera’s Election Season

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting casts a shadow over Albuera’s 2025 elections. The town, once labeled a drug hub, has struggled to shed its stigma, with outgoing mayor Sixto de la Victoria claiming progress. Espinosa’s campaign, centered on jobs and services, now faces heightened security risks, with his team requesting protection from the Commission on Elections. The attack could sway voters, either rallying support for Espinosa as a survivor or deepening distrust in a family tied to past scandals. With Mariel also injured, the incident underscores the personal toll of Albuera’s polarized politics, threatening stability as May approaches.

Conclusion: A Community on Edge

The Kerwin Espinosa shooting is more than a crime—it’s a warning of the tensions simmering in Albuera. As police hunt the hitman, the community grapples with fear, suspicion, and a fraught election season. Espinosa’s survival and defiance signal his resolve, but the lack of a suspect keeps justice elusive. This incident, rooted in a town’s complex history, demands accountability to prevent further violence. For now, Albuera holds its breath, hoping the manhunt brings clarity and peace. Stay vigilant, support the call for justice, and let’s work toward a safer future for all.