A quiet Friday morning at the municipal council office turned into a scene of shock and bloodshed when Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso of Ibajay, Aklan was gunned down, allegedly by Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Mihrel Senatin.
Police confirmed there was no scheduled session on August 8. There was also no prior confrontation between the two when the shooting happened around 9:15 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion.
Initial investigation showed Senatin had gone to the SB office to request copies of ordinances he authored.
Witnesses said he suddenly turned to Estolloso and asked, “Vice, ano ang saea kimo?” (“Vice, what’s wrong with you?”) before opening fire.
Estolloso sustained seven to eight gunshot wounds to the right chest. He was rushed to Ibajay District Hospital but was pronounced dead at 10:23 a.m.
Police arrested Senatin at his home shortly after the attack and recovered a Glock 17 pistol believed to be the murder weapon. The firearm’s license is under verification, and ballistic tests are set to be conducted.
Both men were members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Investigators said there were no known political or personal disputes between them, leaving the motive behind the crime unclear.
Western Visayas police director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan described the killing as “shocking,” noting the rare circumstance of two sitting officials being involved in such a crime.
“We understand the sensitivity of this case. The Aklan Police Provincial Office is handling the investigation with full professionalism and without favoring anyone,” Ligan said.
Ibajay Mayor Jose Miguel Miraflores condemned the attack, calling it “a senseless act of violence that has no place in public service.”
“Vice Mayor Estolloso was a dedicated and valued leader who always put the welfare of our people first. His sudden passing is a great loss to the municipality, and we will ensure that justice is served,” the mayor said in a statement.
Miraflores also declared suspension of work for the entire Ibajay town hall after the incident.
The municipal flag now flies at half-mast as Ibajay mourns the loss of its vice mayor. Police are preparing murder charges against Senatin. –With reports from Vince Lopez and Jun Aguirre
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with additional information and prior details corrected. Originally posted with the headline “Councilor shoots Aklan vice mayor dead inside session hall.”
