A COUNCILOR of Ibajay town in Aklan is facing a murder charge for killing Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso inside the Sangguniang Bayan session hall around 9:15 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025.
Councilor Mihrel Senatin, a political ally of the victim, allegedly fired multiple shots at Estolloso on Friday.
Police Major Rajiv Salbino, chief of police of the Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Ibajay, said that Senatin entered the Sangguniang Bayan office to request for copies of his approved ordinances.
He then approached Estolloso and asked, “Vice, ano ang saea kimo?” (Vice, what’s your problem with me?) before pulling out a firearm and shooting the official.
Estolloso sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the right side of his chest. He was rushed by responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to the Ibajay District Hospital, where he was declared dead at 10:23 a.m.
Police arrested Senatin at his residence on Friday. Recovered from him was the firearm –- a Glock 17 pistol -- used in the shooting.
The weapon will undergo ballistics examination, while a paraffin test will be conducted on the suspect.
Estolloso’s body has been scheduled for autopsy.
"We arrested the suspect at his house and immediately recovered the weapon used," Salbino said.
Police also found witnesses who will corroborate the details of the incident.
As of 3 p.m. Friday, investigators have yet to determine the motive in the incident.
The local government of Ibajay also suspended work operations at the municipal hall following the shooting Friday morning. (Leo Solinap)