SHOOTOUT AT ZAMORA

Espinosas clash anew in Waterfront

By Tara Yap

OLD grudges could be the motive in the shootout between Espinosa clan members at the waterfront area of Iloilo City early Tuesday morning.

The gun battle happened at the Espinosa enclave along Zamora Street, Iloilo City proper, based on initial police reports.

Former Task Force Adams Apple chief Pascual “Toto E” Espinosa III, 59, and his younger brother Leo, 49 were wounded after they traded bullets with their cousin Jesus “Jing-Jing” Espinosa Jr.

According to C/Insp. Noel Lamsis, Police Precinct 1 chief, the incident occurred around 2:30am while Brgy. Monica, Iloilo City proper was celebrating its fiesta.

Lamsis said Toto E and Leo heard gun shots outside of their house, prompting them to go out to check the commotion.

Leo Espinosa told police investigators that he saw Jing-Jing Espinosa disembark from a black Ford Everest SUV while wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a handgun.

Leo alleged that Jing Jing Espinosa and an unidentified companion then fired towards their house.

Toto E sustained gun shot wounds in his chest, arm, legs, and foot while Leo Espinosa was shot in the thigh. They were rushed to St. Paul’s Hospital for treatment.

Atty. Jelly Espinosa, a sibling of Jing Jing Espinosa, told a different version of the incident.

According to Atty. Espinosa, Jing Jing was parking his Ford Everest SUV when he also heard gun shots which triggered the gun battle.

According to Lamsis, the exchange of gun shots from both sides approximately lasted for three minutes.

Recovered from the crime scene were 34 empty shells of assorted ammunitions. Also recovered were two live .9mm caliber ammos and 3 pieces of deformed slugs of an unknown caliber.

The black Ford Everest SUV owned by Jing Jing Espinosa was hit by stray bullets in the hood, windshield, and two tires.

‘Power struggle’

Lamsis said investigators are looking at the on-going family feud between clan members as the main angle of the shootout.

In January 2010, the Regional Trial Court Branch Branch 34 acquitted Jing-Jing Espinosa of the frustrated murder charges filed by Toto E eight years ago.

Jing-Jing and co-accused Joel Barcibas were tagged in the ambush of Toto E. last November 1, 2002 in front of San Jose Church in Iloilo City proper.

Toto E was onboard his Nissan Patrol when several persons opened fire at his vehicle around 4am of the said day.

The Espinosas controls the waterfront district, particularly arrastre and cargo handling services.

Authorities have long speculated a power struggle between clan members which, resulting in violent murders over the years.

In 1993, brothers Ping-Ping and Pedik and their cousin Oskit Espinosa were killed in a shooting rampage inside the family compound.

In 2002, Rodney Espinosa and Pascual Jesus “PJ” Espinosa were shot to death.