AKLAN – In a brazen act of violence that has shocked the political and civic community of Aklan, Ibajay town’s Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso was shot dead inside the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) office on Friday morning, Aug. 8.
The suspect was SB member Mihrel Senatin. He is now in the custody of the Ibajay police.
Police said the shooting happened around 9:15 a.m.
Senatin reportedly entered the SB Office to request copies of local ordinances.
Without warning, he allegedly walked up to Estolloso and asked, “Vice, anu ang saea kimu?” (“What wrong have I done to you?”) before pulling out a firearm and opening fire.
Estolloso sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest, according to initial police findings.
A statement from his family claimed Estolloso suffered six to seven gunshot wounds in total – to the head and chest.
Estolloso was rushed to the Ibajay District Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 10:23 a.m. by the attending physician, said Police Captain Aubrey Ayon, spokesperson for the Aklan Police Provincial Office.
Ibajay police chief Rajiv Salbino said Senatin was arrested at his residence shortly after the incident. Initial reports were conflicting – some claimed Senatin surrendered to the police while others stated he was arrested right away.
According to the Aklan Police Provincial Office, appropriate charges are being prepared.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
During the May 2025 midterm elections, Estolloso ran under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. He got 20,065 votes.
Senatin, who ran under the Lakas party, was No. 6 in the race for Ibajay SB.
The victim’s grandson, George Estolloso, expressed grief and outrage on social media: “Politics truly is a different kind of beast,” he posted, but did not elaborate.
He appealed for justice: “A beautiful life, lived in the service to others. Daw d ako kapati!… Another life lost in the name of public service… JUSTICE for Lolo Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso.”
Salbino said they have requested an autopsy and are verifying whether the suspect is licensed to carry firearms.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, chief of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), condemned the killing.
“This unfortunate incident is deeply concerning, especially as it involves individuals who serve the public in positions of trust. We recognize the sensitivity of the matter and extend our thoughts to everyone affected, especially the families and communities involved,” he said.
He assured the public that the case is being handled “with utmost professionalism and impartiality,” and that due process will be observed.
Vice Mayor Estolloso was a brother of Fr. Jose Estolloso of the Diocese of Kalibo. Diocese chancellor Rev. Fr. Justy More offered prayers: “Eternal rest grant unto Julio, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
More also urged the faithful: “Let us keep the Estolloso family in our prayers during this most difficult time.”/PN
