How the Philippine Press dealt with the drug lords arrest

In the UAE, Khaleej Times broke the story first online on Monday morning after senior superintendent Albert Ferro, acting director of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group, tipped off the newspaper.

News of the arrest of fugitive Filipino drug lord Kerwin Espinosa in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night landed on the front pages of major newspapers and tabloids in the Philippines. It was also on the breaking news and morning newscast after Philippine National Police (PNP) chief director-general Ronald dela Rosa broke the story first to the Philippine media early Monday morning (Manila time).

The arrest: Abu Dhabi Police confirm arrest of Filipino drug lord Kerwin Espinosa

In the UAE, Khaleej Times broke the story first online on Monday morning after senior superintendent Albert Ferro, acting director of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group, tipped off the newspaper. Col. Ferro led the team dispatched by Gen. de la Rosa which was tasked to coordinate with the Abu Dhabi Police the arrest of Espinosa.

Arrest: This is the tourist visa Filipino drug lord used to enter UAE

Espinosa, 36, whose real name is Rolan Eslabon Espinosa, is the biggest drug lord in Eastern Visayas and number two on the Philippines' most wanted list. He was arrested at his flat along Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street on Sunday at 10pm (UAE time) which is 2am in the Philippines.

"Kerwin's run ends in Abu Dhabi", read the headline of Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) and an online follow-up story later said "PNP to ensure safe return of fugitive Kerwin Espinosa."

The news of the arrest of Filipino drug lord Kerwin Espinosa in Abu Dhabi on Sunday took top position in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

PDI as well as Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philippine Star and Business World also published a story saying that 'the Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing Kerwin Espinosa as a possible witness against Senator Leila De Lima, a former justice minister and staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, who allegedly received money from Espinosa to finance her electoral campaign.

Kerwin Espinosa with senator Leila De Limas (centre) and a friend in happier times. The senator allegedly received money from Espinosa to finance her election campaign.

DOJ minister Vitaliano Aguirre II was quoted as saying, "If he (Kerwin) passes the assessment of the witness protection programme, then we are going to offer immunity to Kerwin."

TV network giant ABS-CBN and CNN Philippines quoted Khaleej Times for getting the details of Espinosa's flight details and arrival in Abu Dhabi, using an authentic Philippine passport.

A story filed by Filipino journalist Gerg Cahiles read: "Espinosa used a regular Philippine passport under the name 'Rolan Eslabon Espinosa,' and declared his profession as 'sales representative', based on his travel visa obtained by Khaleej Times."

ABS-CBN TV quoted Khaleej Times for details of Espinosa's flight details and arrival in Abu Dhabi, using an authentic Philippine passport.

"Espinosa is now in the custody of the UAE's Interior Ministry where he was transferred from the Abu Dhabi police's Criminal Investigation (Department). They know that Kerwin Espinosa is a high value target (and) the UAE authorities are investigating Espinosa for any accomplices or possible violation of the UAE's laws," Col Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesperson, was quoted by CNN as saying. Meanwhile, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Constancio Vingno Jr spoke to Khaleej Times on Tuesday afternoon and said he still has to see Espinosa.

"I want to monitor and check on his status when he can be brought back to the Philippines to face the charges filed against him," Vingno said.

Col Ferro, for his part, wants local authorities to investigate a certain Sara, a long-time Abu Dhabi resident, "who might have harboured Kerwin". The Filipino police officer said Kerwin, together with his two body guards, lived in a flat along Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street.

• UAE