Jovie Espenido Biography: Age, Wikipedia, Education, Career, Rank, Wife, Family

Jovie Espenido Biography

Jovie R. Espenido is a controversial figure in the Philippine National Police (PNP), known for his involvement in high-profile anti-drug operations during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Espenido gained national attention for his role in the killings of several prominent politicians linked to the illegal drug trade, including Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, and Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog of Ozamiz City.

Espenido’s career has been marked by several controversial actions, including his inclusion in Duterte’s drug watchlist in 2020, which raised questions about his involvement in illegal activities. Despite this, he continued to hold significant positions within the PNP, where he was known for his tough stance on drug-related crimes. In recent developments, Espenido has spoken out about the pressures and expectations placed on police officers during the drug war, including the existence of quotas and rewards for successful operations, which has sparked further debate and scrutiny

Espenido’s legacy is a complex one, as he is seen by some as a dedicated law enforcer who took extreme measures to rid communities of drug influence, while others view him as a symbol of the controversial and often violent methods employed during the drug war. His statements and actions continue to influence discussions on policing, human rights, and governance in the Philippines.

Jovie Espenido Age

Jovie Espenido was born on August 10, 1958, which makes him 66 years old as of 2024.

Jovie Espenido Hometown

Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido hails from San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Philippines.

Jovie Espenido Educational Background

Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido is a licensed criminologist and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. He also possesses skills in electronics and mechanics.

Jovie Espenido Career

Jovie Espenido’s career in the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been marked by his involvement in some of the most controversial and high-profile anti-drug operations in the country. Known for his hardline approach, Espenido has played a central role in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which catapulted him into the national spotlight. His career, spanning several decades, has been characterized by a mix of commendations for his bravery and criticism for the violent outcomes of some of his operations.

Early Career and Rise in the PNP

Jovie Espenido began his career in law enforcement in the 1990s, slowly rising through the ranks of the PNP. His early years were spent in various assignments across the country, where he built a reputation as a diligent and determined officer. However, it wasn’t until the late 2000s that Espenido started gaining wider recognition for his work. In 2010, while serving as the Chief of Police of Gandara, Samar, Espenido led a successful operation against the town’s former mayor and his political goons, who were found to be illegally stockpiling firearms. This operation, along with the arrest of several wanted criminals, established Espenido as a capable leader within the PNP.

The Albuera Assignment and Espinosa Controversy

Espenido’s career took a significant turn in July 2016 when he was assigned to Albuera, Leyte, shortly after Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency. As the Chief of Police of Albuera, Espenido was thrust into the national spotlight following the arrest and subsequent killing of Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was detained on drug-related charges. On November 5, 2016, Espinosa was shot dead inside his jail cell by police officers who claimed they were serving a search warrant. .

The Ozamiz City Raid and Parojinog Incident

Espenido’s reputation as a tough enforcer was further solidified in July 2017 when he was assigned to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. There, he led a deadly raid against the influential Parojinog family, who were accused of involvement in the illegal drug trade. On July 30, 2017, Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., along with 14 others, including his wife and brother, were killed in a pre-dawn raid. This operation, like the one in Albuera, was highly controversial, with critics accusing Espenido and his team of using excessive force. Despite the backlash, Espenido received commendations from then-President Duterte for his role in the operation.

Reassignment to Bacolod and Continued Controversies

In October 2019, Espenido was assigned as the Deputy City Director for Operations of the Bacolod Police Office in Western Visayas. His presence in Bacolod was part of a broader effort by the Duterte administration to intensify the war on drugs in the region. During his time in Bacolod, Espenido continued to be a controversial figure, particularly after being included in Duterte’s drug watchlist in February 2020. Although he denied any involvement in illegal activities, his inclusion in the list raised further questions about the integrity of the anti-drug campaign and Espenido’s role in it.

Return to Eastern Visayas and Later Assignments

Following his stint in Bacolod, Espenido was reassigned back to Eastern Visayas in 2020, where he served as the Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of the Samar Police Provincial Office in Catbalogan. This reassignment was seen as a demotion by some, possibly linked to the controversies surrounding his previous assignments. Despite this, Espenido continued to serve in various capacities within the PNP, maintaining his reputation as a hardline enforcer of the law.

Public Testimonies and Allegations

In recent years, Espenido has taken on a more vocal role in addressing the issues surrounding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. In August 2024, he testified before the House Committee investigating the drug war, where he confirmed the existence of quotas and rewards for successful operations during the campaign. He also alleged that funding for the rewards came from operators of Small-Town Lottery (STL) and other sources, sparking further debate about the methods and ethics of the drug war.

Jovie Espenido Wife and Children

Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido is married to Shiela Bandal. Together, they have three daughters.

Jovie Espenido Net Worth

Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 as of 2024.

FAQs

Who is Jovie Espenido?

Jovie Espenido is a controversial police officer in the Philippine National Police (PNP) known for his involvement in high-profile anti-drug operations during the Duterte administration.

What is Jovie Espenido known for?

He is known for his role in the deaths of mayors linked to the illegal drug trade, including Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, and Reynaldo Parojinog of Ozamiz City.

Why was Espenido included in Duterte’s drug watchlist?

In 2020, Espenido was controversially included in President Duterte’s drug watchlist, raising questions about his possible involvement in illegal activities.