MANILA - A town mayor accused of involvement in the illegal drug trade is now in the custody of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella confirmed Tuesday that Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. met a 24-hour deadline that President Duterte issued for his surrender.

There are no other details on the surrender of Espinosa, who was accused of "drug-trafficking and coddling."

His son Kerwin was also tagged in the allegation. He remains at large, as of posting time.

Duterte earlier warned the mayor and his son to surrender within 24 hours or risk being shot.

Duterte orders drug-accused Mayor to surrender within 24 hours

This comes days after Espinosa's bodyguards were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Benolho. Seized from the suspects were around 237 grams of suspected shabu worth about P1.9 million.

Suspects were identified as Jessie Ocarez, 34; and Marcelo Adorco, 40.
Also arrested were Jose Antipuesto, 36; Ernesto Dumalat, 20; and Jeffrey Pesquera, 39.

Leyte town mayor's aides caught with shabu