Aklan vice mayor shot dead by councilor

MANILA, Philippines — A municipal vice mayor was killed after a member of the town council allegedly shot him in Ibajay, Aklan yesterday morning.

Ibajay Vice Mayor Julio Estolloso died at past 10 a.m. while being treated for a gunshot to the chest at the Ibajay District Hospital.

Police identified the suspect as Councilor Mihrel Senatin, who fled after the shooting that occurred at around 9:15 a.m. at the municipal hall in Barangay Poblacion.

Senatin was arrested in a follow-up operation at his house located near the municipal hall, according to Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police director.

Probers said a handgun believed used in the killing was found in Senatin’s property.

Investigation showed that Senatin entered the office of the municipal council and asked an employee of Estolloso for copies of ordinances passed during the vice mayor’s term.

Witnesses said Senatin approached Estolloso and asked if he had offended the vice mayor.

The suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Estolloso without provocation.

“This unfortunate incident is deeply concerning as it involved people in public service,” Ligan said, adding that he ordered a deeper investigation to determine the motive for the killing.

Ligan said Estolloso and Senatin were allies.

Ibajay police chief Maj. Ravij Salbino said probers have yet to confirm information that Senatin had been angry at Estolloso.

The vice mayor had reportedly been cutting off Senatin every time the councilor spoke during council sessions.

“We are looking at every possible angle – if they have personal grudges or if the killing was politically motivated,” Salbino said.

Dinagat ‘shootout’ leaves 2 dead

Meanwhile, in Dinagat Islands, an agent of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and a traffic enforcer were killed in an alleged shootout in San Jose town on Thursday.

Reports said that Pat. Ferry Jaso and his colleague, Pat. Leonel Estroso, were responding to reports that an alleged drug trafficker and illegal gun holder identified as Anjun Casador was spotted in Barangay Santa Cruz.

Jaso reportedly tailed Casador, but the suspect spotted him and drew a gun.

Reports said Casador shot Jaso, killing him at the scene.

Casador, who was reportedly a contract worker at the Land Transportation Office in Dinagat Islands, took Jaso’s pistol and tried to flee, but Estroso allegedly shot him dead.

Investigation is ongoing. — John Unson