Leonardo Espina Explained

Honorific Prefix:Retired Police Deputy Director General
Leonardo A. Espina
Office:OIC-Chief of the Philippine National Police
President:Benigno Aquino III
Term Start:February 5
Term End:June 16, 2015
Predecessor:PDGen. Alan Purisima
Successor:PDGen. Ricardo Marquez
Module:
Child:yes
Allegiance: Philippines
Serviceyears:1981–2015
Service Label:Service
Service:Philippine National Police
Department Label:Divisions
Department:
Rank: Police Deputy Director General
Alma Mater:Philippine Military Academy
Birth Name:Leonardo A. Espina
Birth Date:1959 7, mf=yes
Birth Place:Philippines

Leonardo A. Espina is a Filipino former police officer served as former OIC Chief of the Philippine National Police.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Police career

Espina graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, and joined the Philippine Constabulary.

He was assigned as the spokesman of the Philippine National Police in 2002, in the time of PNP chief General Hermogenes Ebdane, and in 2009 to 2010, in the time of PNP chief General Jesus Verzosa. He was assigned to be the director of the Highway Patrol Group in 2010 to 2012.

In September 6, 2012, he was assigned as the new regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office.[5] Anti-kotong efforts were launched, but his son was later a victim of the corrupt police's kotong scheme.[6]

After stint with the Metro Manila's police force, In July 11, 2013, Espina was appointed to be the chief of the Directorial Staff of the PNP.[7] When the then-suspended PNP chief General Alan Purisima resigned, Espina was assigned to the OIC chief (because Purisima did not retire).

In his service as an OIC chief, he led the efforts to give justice to the fallen 44 Special Action Force officers. He did not get the highest position, and retired as an OIC. Espina retired from service on July 19, 2015. He was honored with a parade at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) for his leadership.[8] Espina was awarded the Presidential Legion of Honor by President Benigno Aquino III. He was replaced by Ricardo Marquez.

Post police service

During the 2016 Senate investigation, Kerwin Espinosa pointed to Espina’s brother-in-law, Victor Espina (they incidentally have the same surnames) as to have sold him firearms. Espinosa further stated that he doesn’t know General Espina. Victor Espina also executed an affidavit that he did it on his own without the knowledge of General Espina.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Felipe . Cecille Suerte. Sison Jr.. Bebot. Espina named NCRPO chief . 2022-05-17 . Philstar.com.
  2. Web site: Who is Leonardo Espina? . 2022-05-17 . ph.news.yahoo.com . en-PH.
  3. Web site: Elona . Jamie . 2012-09-06 . 2 QC cops in hot water for extortion try on NCRPO chief’s son . 2022-05-17 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  4. Web site: De Jesus . Julliane Love . 2016-11-07 . Ex-PNP OIC Espina denies links with Kerwin . 2022-05-17 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  5. Web site: Felipe . Cecille Suerte. Sison Jr.. Bebot. Espina named NCRPO chief . 2022-05-17 . Philstar.com.
  6. Web site: Elona . Jamie . 2012-09-06 . 2 QC cops in hot water for extortion try on NCRPO chief’s son . 2022-05-17 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  7. Web site: Carcamo . Dennis . Espina removed from NCRPO, gets 4th highest PNP post . 2022-05-17 . Philstar.com.
  8. Web site: Cabreza . Vincent . June 21, 2015 . Retiring police OIC Espina extolled as fine example of leader . Inquirer.net.