The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed early Wednesday that six people were killed in an encounter in Albuera, Leyte.
Police authorities said the encounter took place at 5:30 a.m. at Sito Tinago, Brgy Binulho, Albuera, Leyte, outside the house of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. Thirteen high-powered firearms and four .45 caliber pistols were recovered in the crime scenes.
Espinosa surrendered Tuesday after being linked to the illegal drug trade.
PNP top brass Ronald Dela Rosa said Espinosa is included in President Rodrigo Duterte's list of local officials tagged as protectors of illegal drug activities in their areas.
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Anim patay sa engkwentro sa bahay ni Mayor Espinosa https://t.co/N5v1v4x8t0 https://t.co/Sbzdzj1pIR— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) August 3, 2016
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Espinosa's son, Kerwin, is still at large. Kerwin has a standing warrant of arrest in connection with illegal drug operations.
Dela Rosa urged Kerwin, whom he named as the "No. 1 drug lord in Eastern Visayas", to surrender or "he will really be killed".
Police said operations are still ongoing. They also have to verify the identities of the casualties.
CNN Philippines Correspondent Gerg Cahiles and Digital Producer Arra Perez contributed to this report.
source: cnnphilippines.com