Police rule Dueñas vice mayor’s death an accidental shooting

ILOILO CITY — Police have ruled out foul play in the death of Dueñas, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan, concluding that she died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound at her residence in Iloilo City just days before the close of 2025.

The La Paz Police Station said the incident happened shortly after 7 a.m. on 30 December 2025 at Lamasan’s home in a subdivision in Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz district.

Police Captain Jeffrey Delgado, chief of Police Station 2 of the Iloilo City Police Office, said investigators were alerted at around 7:30 a.m. by a hospital in Iloilo City Proper where the vice mayor was rushed for treatment.

Initial investigation showed that Lamasan was handling and cleaning her firearm when it suddenly discharged, hitting her in the right abdomen, Delgado said. The incident allegedly occurred in the dining area of the house.

The account was based on the statement of her live-in partner, who was present at the time. Two household helpers told police they only heard the gunshot and did not witness the actual incident.

Findings were consistent with the statement of Lamasan’s lawyer, who also maintained that the shooting was purely accidental.

Despite emergency medical intervention, Lamasan succumbed to her injuries hours later, after reportedly failing to survive a second surgical operation, according to her aunt, former Vice Mayor Pangga Lamasan-Piccio. Police noted that the bullet exited through her leg.

Shock, grief.

The Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) – Iloilo Chapter expressed shock over Lamasan’s sudden death, describing her as a dedicated, kind, and dependable public servant.

VMLP-Iloilo Chapter President and Lambunao Vice Mayor Arvin Losaria said Lamasan was a trusted member of the league’s board of directors and was passionate about education programs. He added that while he had previously joined her in firing range activities, he was unaware of the type of firearm involved in the incident.

Lamasan’s family welcomed the New Year in mourning. Lamasan-Piccio said the vice mayor was even scheduled to lead a gift-giving activity on the day of the incident, underscoring the suddenness of the tragedy.

Tributes pour in

Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron paid tribute to Lamasan, calling her a leader of integrity, compassion, and genuine public service, whose legacy would endure among the people of Dueñas.

Dueñas Mayor Robert Martin Pama also expressed deep grief, describing his vice mayor as his closest partner in governance.

“There are no goodbyes between us,” Pama wrote in a social media post. “You were my constant ally. Rest in peace.”

Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan’s passing has left the municipality of Dueñas reeling, as colleagues and constituents remember her for her commitment to public service and the abrupt end to a promising political career.