Manila, April 11 -- The Albuera municipal police, in coordination with the Special Weapons and Tactics team, has launched a manhunt for the gunman in the shooting of self-confessed drug lord and Albuera, Leyte mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa.

In a statement Friday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas) said they are doing everything to "determine the motive and ensure that justice is served."

"PRO-8 assures the public that all efforts are being exerted to maintain peace and security, especially during the election period. We urge anyone with information to come forward and coordinate with authorities," it said.

Espinosa, who is running against incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria and Vince Rama, the brother-in-law of ...