The Shocking Testimony: Ex-Mayor Espinosa’s Fatal Encounter with Police

--- Eyewitness Accounts: A Jail Guard’s Testimony Julito Retana, a jail guard at the Baybay, Leyte Provincial Jail, testified about the chaotic events of the early morning hours of November 5, 2016. Retana recounted the arrival of three police vehicles that forced their way into the detention facility without showing a search warrant. He described how the officers identified themselves as members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and how they ordered the jail guards to kneel while they proceeded to Espinosa's cell. Retana stated, “Despite handing over the keys, they broke down the gate and entered aggressively.” This aggressive entry raises serious concerns about the legality of police actions and the protocols followed during such operations. --- Inmate Testimony: A Disturbing Observation Donald "Dondon" Palermo, an inmate who was housed in a nearby cell, provided a chilling account of the events leading to Espinosa’s death. He claimed to have had a clear view of Espinosa's cell and testified that the former mayor had no means to defend himself during the encounter. Palermo asserted that Espinosa pleaded for his life before being shot, contradicting the police narrative that Espinosa was armed and dangerous. Palermo's claim that the gun found in Espinosa's cell was planted by police officers adds another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting a possible cover-up or misconduct on the part of law enforcement. --- The Aftermath: Gunshots and Cadaver Bags Retana estimated that at least five gunshots were fired during the incident, which he heard from his position in the jail. The aftermath of the shooting left a profound impact on both the inmates and the jail staff. Retana described the grim scene when cadaver bags were brought out, one containing Espinosa’s body and another identified as Raul Yap’s. Eyewitness accounts from Espinosa's son, Kerwin, further complicate the narrative, indicating that Yap embraced his father before the shooting occurred. ---

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