Screengrab from Juan Dandan Piano

A campaign event in Leyte took a violent turn late Thursday afternoon, April 10, when self-confessed drug lord and mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa was shot while addressing supporters at the Leyte Gymnasium in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera.

The incident happened at around 4:30 p.m., sending panic through the crowd gathered for what was supposed to be a regular campaign stop. Espinosa, who’s attempting a political comeback, was immediately rushed to the hospital. His running mate, Mariel Espinosa, and a minor also sustained gunshot wounds during the chaos.

Authorities have yet to release details on the motive or the identity of the shooter, but investigations are underway. Local police have cordoned off the area as they continue to gather evidence and speak to witnesses.

The attack has raised concerns about security on the campaign trail, especially given Espinosa’s controversial background and the high tensions in local politics. For now, the focus remains on the condition of the victims as the community processes the shock of the sudden burst of violence.