AKLAN – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada confirmed that his son, Julian Ejercito, and nephew, Jefferelly Vitug, were attacked by three local residents while vacationing on Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, near Summer Place Bar in Barangay Balabag. According to Estrada, the two had just left the bar and were walking toward their hotel when three unidentified men followed and suddenly assaulted them from behind.
“They were attacked without any apparent reason,” Estrada said in a phone interview, adding that one of the suspects reportedly told Vitug, “Masyado kang maangas” (You’re too arrogant).
He emphasized that there had been no prior altercation or confrontation inside the bar, and that CCTV footage would confirm the same.
According to a police report, Ejercito sustained head injuries and a chipped toenail after being repeatedly kicked, causing him to fall. Vitug suffered a nasal injury. Both are currently recovering in the hospital.
Authorities responded immediately to the incident, but the suspects initially escaped. A follow-up investigation led to the identification of two of the three suspects, aged 18 and 19, both residents of Barangay Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island.
Estrada flew to Boracay on Sunday, May 25, to personally check on the condition of his son and nephew.
“Bilang ama at tiyuhin, hindi maiiwasan na labis akong mag-alala nang makarating sa akin ang masamang balita. Kaya’t dali-dali akong pumunta para alamin ang nangyari at kalagayan nila,” Estrada said in a statement.
He added: “No parent or relative ever wants to hear that their loved ones have been victims of such a senseless act in a place that should be a friendly community and a source of relaxation. While charges have already been filed, I trust the proper authorities will investigate this case thoroughly and ensure that justice is served.”
Estrada did not provide any further details regarding the case but he confirmed that criminal charges have already been filed against the identified suspects./PN
