The Philippine National Police (PNP) has removed Ormoc City Police Chief Colonel Reydante Ariza from his post following the shooting of Kerwin Espinosa, a mayoral candidate in Albuera, Leyte.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo confirmed the development, noting that seven Ormoc-based officers—currently under police custody—have been identified as persons of interest. These officers were allegedly seen in a compound where the gunman’s suspected getaway vehicle was later traced.
Colonel Dennis Jose Llavore has been appointed as officer-in-charge.
Espinosa was shot in the right shoulder on Thursday afternoon during a campaign rally. He was about to take the stage when the attack occurred. Authorities are looking into the possibility that a sniper carried out the shooting.
Fajardo said a deeper investigation is ongoing to determine the involvement of the detained officers and to track down the shooter.