IBAJAY, Aklan—Police have declared the murder of Ibajay Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso “case closed” after the swift arrest of Sangguniang Bayan Member Mehril Senatin, who now faces a murder charge filed less than 24 hours after the crime.
Ibajay police chief PMaj. Rajiv Salbino said the case is considered solved due to Senatin’s immediate arrest, strong testimonial and forensic evidence, and completed inquest proceedings. The shooting took place Monday morning inside the Sangguniang Bayan office, where witnesses said Senatin asked for a copy of municipal ordinances before returning and shooting Estolloso at close range.
Estolloso sustained chest wounds and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Investigators are looking into personal resentment as the motive, with reports also suggesting Senatin may have been suffering from depression.
Senatin was arrested at home shortly after the incident and underwent paraffin and ballistic testing. In response, Mayor Jose Miguel Joem Miraflores has ordered stricter security at the municipal hall, including a one-entry, one-exit policy.
