Ibajay vice mayor shot dead by political ally in office

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Ibajay Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso of Aklan was shot dead by Sangguniang Bayan member and political ally Mihrel Senatin inside the Sangguniang Bayan office on Friday morning, August 8.

Estolloso sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest and was rushed to the Ibajay District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician at around 10:23 a.m.

The Ibajay Municipal Police Station identified the alleged gunman as Senatin, a sitting councilor of the town.

According to initial investigation, the shooting happened around 9:15 a.m. when Senatin entered the vice mayor’s office and asked a staff member for copies of all ordinances passed during his term.

Without any apparent provocation, Senatin allegedly approached Estolloso and asked in Akeanon, “Vice, anu ang saea kimu?” (“Vice, what’s your issue with me?”), before pulling out a Glock 17 pistol and shooting him multiple times.

The firearm, from which six to seven rounds were fired, has been recovered and is undergoing verification for its license and permit to carry.

Ibajay police chief PMaj. Rajiv Salvino said Senatin was arrested at his home later that day and is now in custody.

A murder complaint is being prepared for inquest proceedings.

Investigators have yet to determine the motive, though police say political rivalry appears unlikely.

“Initially, we do not see anything related to politics since they come from one party only and they are allied,” Salvino said.

Both Estolloso and Senatin were members of the Tibyog Akean slate, with Estolloso on his second term and Senatin on his third and final term.

Salvino said witnesses were shocked, adding there were no signs of prior conflict or arguments between the two.

He confirmed Estolloso had no security escort at the time of the attack.

Ballistics tests are being conducted on the recovered pistol, along with a paraffin test on Senatin to detect gunpowder residue.

An autopsy is also being performed on the victim.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to piece together the sequence of events leading to the shooting.

George Estolloso, the vice mayor’s grandson, mourned his grandfather’s death in a social media post.

“A beautiful life, lived in service to others. I still can’t believe it. Another life lost in the name of public service. Politics truly is a different kind of beast,” he said.

Ibajay Mayor Miguel Miraflores described Estolloso as a “dedicated, committed, and valued” public servant.

“His contributions to our community will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire community during this difficult time,” Miraflores said.

The local government of Ibajay suspended operations on Friday following the incident.

Police Regional Office 6 Director BGen. Josefino Ligan appealed for calm and public cooperation.

“This unfortunate incident is deeply concerning, especially as it involves individuals who serve the public in positions of trust,” Ligan said.

“We recognize the sensitivity of the matter and extend our thoughts to everyone affected, especially the families and communities involved,” he added.