IBAJAY, Aklan Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso died after he was shot by a municipal councilor inside the town hall Friday, August 8, 2025.
In a statement, the police said at 9:15 a.m., the suspect, Municipal Councilor Mihrel Seratin, entered the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Office in Poblacion and asked Estolloso’s staff for a copy of all the town’s ordinances passed during the latter’s term.
“He then allegedly approached Vice Mayor Estolloso and asked, ‘Vice, anu ang saea kimu?’ (What wrong have I done to you?) before drawing a firearm and shooting the victim without further provocation,” the police said.
The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest, was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead at 10:23 a.m.
Seratin was immediately arrested.
Police Regional Office 6 Director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan expressed concern over the incident and called for calm and cooperation from the public.
“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. We assure the public that the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), particularly the Aklan Police Provincial Office, is handling the case with utmost professionalism and impartiality,” said Ligan.
“Let us allow the due process of law to take its course while we work toward maintaining peace and order in the region,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)