Albuera Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa turned himself in to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) early Thursday morning, pre-empting a high-stakes manhunt. 

The surrender follows a no-bail arrest warrant issued by Cebu City Judge Merlo Pasco Bagano in connection with a murder case involving Espinosa and four co-accused. 

After disappearing from public view on January 20 citing a "security-induced" leave, the Mayor opted for a proactive surrender, urging his supporters to pray for his safety as he entered federal custody.

The legal move has reignited a firestorm of controversy, with Espinosa’s camp dismissing the charges as a blatant political maneuver. Drawing a chilling parallel to the 2016 death of his father, the late Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. who was killed in a controversial jailhouse shootout.

The younger Espinosa signaled that his life remains in imminent danger. "We will not wait for them to serve the warrant," the Mayor stated, framing his surrender as a strategic move to avoid a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

Despite the gravity of the murder charges, Espinosa insists that governance in Albuera will not grind to a halt. While Vice Mayor Mariel Marinay continues as acting mayor, Espinosa assured constituents that flagship projects, such as the construction of the new municipal hospital, remain on track. 

The Mayor remains behind bars under NBI supervision, awaiting the next stage of a legal battle that threatens to dismantle his political dynasty.