By Nancy Carvajal
The Office of the Prosecutor General has found probable cause to indict self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in Eastern Visayas, Politiko has learned.
State prosecutors, however, dismissed drug trafficking charges against Police General Asher Dolina and eight policemen due to lack of probable cause, according to a copy of the 43-page resolution obtained by Politiko.
In standing by the filing of charges against Espinosa, state prosecutors gave weight to the credibility of a witness’ testimony despite “minor inconsistencies” in details given to investigators.
“It bears stressing that variance in minor details has the net effect of bolstering instead of diminishing the witness’ credibility because they discount the possibility of a rehearsed testimony,” they said.
“Instead what remains paramount is the witness’ consistency in relating to the principal elements of the crime and the positive and categorical identification of the accused as the perpetrator of the same, the illegal drug trade of respondent Kerwin,” state prosecutors added.
Those who were indicted along with Espinosa were: Marcelo Adorco, Jake Pacana, Jose Antepuesto, Jose Estrera, Galo Stephen Bobares, Ferdinand Rondina, Brian Anthony Zaldivar alias Tonypet, Galo Legaspi alias Kapre, Nickjune Canin, Rosalia Canin, Virbeca Diano, Alfred Batistis, and Josela Dumaguit.
State prosecutors, however, said Espinosa’s testimony at a Senate hearing about the supposed bribes received by policemen as part of the alleged drug trade wasn’t enough for charges against them to stand.
Those cleared of charges were: Chief Insp. Wilfredo C. Abordo, Police Officer 3 Dennis Torrefel,Major Eufracio Javines, Capt. Bernie D. Magamay,PSSG Eduardo Betuin, PSSG Roberto Arafol, PCol. Elizar P Egloso and PSSG Marvin Parac.
Charges were also dismissed against Victor Espina, Martin Espina, Marites Ang, Maba Limbona, Galo Legaspi alias Kapre, and Galo Baysay Custodio.
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