DILG: Iloilo vice mayor’s death not linked to flood control

ILOILO CITY — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday dismissed claims linking the death of Dueñas Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan to alleged corruption in flood control projects, describing the shooting as an “accidental discharge” of a firearm.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Iloilo International Airport, Remulla said police and national investigators found no evidence to support rumors that Lamasan’s death was tied to infrastructure anomalies.

“Vice Mayor Lamasan was not involved in any way with the flood control issue. Not at all,” Remulla said. “She was not involved in any municipal projects and was on good terms with the mayor. There is no political angle.”

The interior secretary was joined by Philippine National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II.

Remulla stressed that the official investigation concluded the vice mayor died from an accidental firing and urged the public to stop circulating misinformation, noting that the speculation has caused additional pain for the bereaved family.

“It is fair to conclude that it is death by accidental firing,” Remulla said. “Truly an accidental firing.”

Earlier in the day, Remulla attended a necrological service for Lamasan in Dueñas, Iloilo, alongside Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and regional police officials. He appealed to the public and political figures to allow the late vice mayor to be laid to rest with dignity.