REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Violence Strikes Ibajay: Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso Shot Inside Municipal Office
Photo credit: George Estolloso
The quiet town of Ibajay, Aklan was shaken by an act of violence that unfolded right inside the seat of local governance. Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso was shot on Friday, August 8, 2025, inside the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Office in Poblacion, Ibajay, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the community.
According to the Aklan Police Provincial Office, the alleged gunman has been identified as SB Member Mihrel Senatin. Initial police reports state that the suspect went to the SB Office requesting copies of municipal ordinances enacted since the start of his term. Upon finding Vice Mayor Estolloso in the office, he reportedly confronted him — and without warning, opened fire.
The vice mayor was rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment, while authorities promptly arrested the suspect. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as police continue their investigation.
The tragedy has drawn grief and outrage from residents and family members. George Estolloso, a relative of the vice mayor, took to Facebook to express his disbelief and sorrow, writing:
“A beautiful life, lived in service to others. Daw d ako kapati! Another life lost in the name of public service. Politics truly is a different kind of beast. JUSTICE for Lolo Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso.”
For a community accustomed to the routine pace of municipal affairs, the violent disruption serves as a stark reminder of the sometimes dangerous undercurrents in local politics. As Ibajay mourns, calls for justice echo across Aklan — alongside a renewed plea for civility and safety in public service.
According to the Aklan Police Provincial Office, the alleged gunman has been identified as SB Member Mihrel Senatin. Initial police reports state that the suspect went to the SB Office requesting copies of municipal ordinances enacted since the start of his term. Upon finding Vice Mayor Estolloso in the office, he reportedly confronted him — and without warning, opened fire.
The vice mayor was rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment, while authorities promptly arrested the suspect. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as police continue their investigation.
The tragedy has drawn grief and outrage from residents and family members. George Estolloso, a relative of the vice mayor, took to Facebook to express his disbelief and sorrow, writing:
“A beautiful life, lived in service to others. Daw d ako kapati! Another life lost in the name of public service. Politics truly is a different kind of beast. JUSTICE for Lolo Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso.”
For a community accustomed to the routine pace of municipal affairs, the violent disruption serves as a stark reminder of the sometimes dangerous undercurrents in local politics. As Ibajay mourns, calls for justice echo across Aklan — alongside a renewed plea for civility and safety in public service.
Aug 8, 2025
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