Pa arrested after aiding son to take revenge on foe

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A tricycle driver accused of frustrated murder was arrested evening of March 16 in Estancia, Iloilo.

Police collared RJ Mesa, 31, of Purok 5, Barangay Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo at Poblacion Zone II, Estancia.

Different police units led by Estancia Municipal Police Station apprehended Mesa by virtue of an arrest warrant for frustrated murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code docketed under Criminal Case No. 2023-10777.

Judge Mauricio Gomez of the Regional Trial Court 6 (RTC-6) Branch 71, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo March 9, 2023.

Bail for his temporary liberty was fixed at P200,000.

Captain Arniel Buraga, Estancia police chief, said the suspect is the 9th most wanted person of Estancia.

According to reports, the suspect helped his young son who got into trouble with an adult.

“Nagsumbong ‘yung anak n’ya na may nakaaway. Dahil lasing sya, sinulsulan n’ya na gumanti,” Buraga said.

The suspect’s son indeed got back at his foe and stabbed him with an ice pick.

“Tinulungan pa n’ya. S’ya pa ang nagdiin sa ice pick,” Buraga said.

But it was only Mesa who was charged in court since his son was still a minor when the incident happened.

Section 66 of Republic Act 9344 provides for an exemption of a child 15 years of age or under from criminal liability.

Mesa is now detained for the proper disposition of his case.