ILOILO City – A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to determine the exact circumstances behind the December 30, 2025 shooting of Dueñas, Iloilo vice mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan, whose death a day after, December 31 — initially described as resulting from an accidental gun discharge — is now under a full-scale police probe because of her status as an elected official.
Police said they are validating physical evidence and sworn statements and have yet to rule out any angle as the investigation continues.
Police Colonel Kim Legada, ICPO director, said the creation of the SIT was meant to ensure transparency and a comprehensive investigation.
“Because the victim is a public official, we deemed it necessary to create a Special Investigation Team to ensure transparency and a comprehensive probe,” Legada said.
He stressed that investigators are still establishing whether the shooting was purely accidental or involved other factors.
“We are not ruling out any angle at this point,” he added.
Initial information reaching the police stated that Lamasan was handling her registered .9mm Tanfoglio pistol inside her residence in La Paz, Iloilo City when it allegedly discharged, hitting her in the abdomen.
She was rushed to the hospital, underwent surgery, and was scheduled for a second operation but later died while receiving treatment.
Mayor Robert Martin Pama of Dueñas expressed grief over Lamasan’s passing, describing her as both a vice mayor and family.
“There are no goodbyes between us. See you in the next life,” Pama said.
The Lamasan family, in a separate statement, confirmed her death and highlighted her record of public service.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Honorable Aimee Paz Lamasan, a tireless advocate for the people of Dueñas. Her dedication to public duty was unwavering,” the family said.
It added: “Hon. Lamasan demonstrated unwavering commitment to public service and the well-being of the Dueñas community. She served with integrity and compassion for public service.”
Police said the firearm has been turned over to the Police Regional Office 6’s Regional Forensic Unit for ballistic examination, while requests for a paraffin test and autopsy have been formally relayed to the family as the SIT continues to gather evidence./PN
