ILOILO CITY – Murdered Vice Mayor Julio M. Estolloso of Ibajay town, Aklan province was a beloved teacher and school principal.

His death in the hands of Municipal Councilor Mihrel Senatin devastated students, faculty, and alumni of Melchor Memorial School Inc.

“He was a dedicated educator who inspired countless students to chase their dreams,” said the school in a statement.

Before he was a politician, Estolloso was an educator at Melchor Memorial School, starting in 1998 when he became a teacher.

Over the years, he served the school in different capacities –academic coordinator, assistant school principal, and eventually school principal.

“Thank you for the knowledge you shared to your students. It is because of your Araling Panlipunan (social studies) lessons that inspired me to take political science in college. I am grateful. My sadness is beyond words,” said lawyer Maria Cecilia Maquirang.

Teacher Jun Bryan Masangcay remembered Estolloso as a father figure.

“He learned how to instill discipline with a compassionate heart. That’s why students under his tutelage would know how to be respectful, disciplined, and hard-working,” Masangcay said.

Estolloso extended moral and financial support for Masangcay’s college education.

“He cheered for my success in my academics. He was also one of my inspirations in graduating magna cum for my bachelor’s degree,” Masangcay told Manila Bulletin.

Masangcay, who briefly worked with Estolloso as faculty member, was shocked by his manner of death.

“Who would have thought that he, who is known to be a Good Samaritan, would meet such a tragic end at the hands of his fellow public official,” Masangcay said.