Philippine Mayor gunned down in prison

Rolando Espinosa, who months ago surrendered to national police chief after he was accused alongside his son by President Rodrigo Duterte of engaging in drug trafficking has been shot dead in prison.

Espinosa who reportedly turned himself in to the police moments after Duterte ordered the police to “shoot on sight” if Espinosa and his son resisted arrest, was reportedly involved in an exchange of gunfire in prison which claimed his life.

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Before his death, Espinosa had named several local officials, policemen and judges as being involved in the narcotics trade and urged them to surrender.

According to police, Espinosa was killed in his cell in the provincial jail after he shot at officers during a search for illegal firearms.

“He fired at the raiding team. The raiding team fired back and this led to the mayor’s death,” Chief Inspector Leo Laraga told newsmen.

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