Three Teen Suspects in Senator’s Son Assault Freed on Bail

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three 18-year-old suspects accused of assaulting the son and cousin of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada have been released from police custody after posting bail on Monday, May 26.

Lt. Col. Mar Joseph Ravelo, chief of Malay police, said the suspects were charged with physical injuries following an alleged mauling incident involving Julian Ejercito, 29, and his cousin Jeff, 24, around 2:20 a.m. on May 24 at Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

The suspects, two from Barangay Manoc-Manoc and one from Barangay Balabag, were arrested in a follow-up operation.

Estrada’s son and cousin, both residents of Marikina City, said they were walking near the D’Mall area at Station 2, Barangay Balabag, after leaving OM Bar when the suspects allegedly followed them.

The complainants claimed the suspects attacked without provocation or prior confrontation.

Witnesses reportedly called for help, prompting Patrolman Reyster Padura, who was on duty nearby, to respond to the scene.

Padura blew his whistle, causing the suspects to flee toward the beachfront in Station 3, Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

He chased them but was unable to make an arrest at the time.

Padura then brought the victims to Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital for a medical examination.

Julian reportedly suffered a head injury and lost a toenail after being repeatedly kicked while on the ground.

Jeff sustained an injury to his nose.

Police said the motive remains unclear but noted the two groups had been at the same bar earlier that night.

“Parang nagkatinginan lang ng masama. Walang confrontation na nangyari. Parang napag-trip-an lang,” Ravelo said.

Ravelo confirmed that none of the suspects had prior police records.