Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa attends a hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court on April 6, 2018. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

Seven police officers are considered "persons of interest" in connection with the shooting of Kerwin Espinosa and a vice mayoralty candidate in Albuera, Leyte on Thursday, the Philippine National Police said.

“Yesterday, we received information that around 4.30 p.m., Roland Espinosa, known as Kervin Espinosa habang nangangampanya, tinamaan ng bala sa right side ng kanyang chest. It was a through and through, so two individuals were also hit on their back. And immediately after the incident, we did a follow-up operation,” said P/Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson.

Fajardo said the PNP is investigating whether a sniper may have been responsible for the shooting. 

Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord, is running for mayor in Albuera, Leyte.

Kerwin Espinosa wounded in Leyte shooting incident

According to initial information, a sports utility vehicle may have been used by the gunman to flee the scene.

The police followed the suspect to a compound, where they caught up with seven police officers — two officers and five non-commissioned officers.

According to Fajardo, the presence of the police officers in the area was questionable, as they are assigned to the Ormoc Police Station.

Kerwin Espinosa says won’t be cowed by shooting incident 

The SUV was also found to be loaded with high-caliber firearms that are now undergoing ballistics examination.

"The seven police officers are now under custody. May nakuha na baril sa sasakyan. Anim na amalite nakuha at tatlong 9mm, dalawa na .45 caliber," said Fajardo.

The seven police officers are in the custody of the Leyte Provincial Police Office for investigation.