ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to perform their duties without prejudice as it conducts an impartial, evidence-based investigation into the death of Dueñas, Iloilo vice mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan.
The appeal was issued in direct reaction to a controversial video statement released by suspended Cavite 4th District’s Cong. Kiko Barzaga, who publicly suggested — without presenting evidence — that Lamasan’s death may be linked to alleged flood control anomalies in Iloilo.
Lamasan succumbed to a gunshot wound on December 31, 2025.
In a statement, the regional police stressed that verified information will be released only “through official channels as it becomes available.”
PRO-6 said it has already taken “decisive measures to ensure a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation,” confirming that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to handle the case exclusively.
Barzaga, in a 49-second video shared on social media, described the circumstances of Lamasan’s death as “highly suspicious,” asserting that “an investigation must be conducted to determine whether her death was connected to her knowledge of flood control anomalies in the province of Iloilo,” and even mentioning his Congress colleagues Iloilo 1st District’s Cong. Janette Garin and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor.
Local police, however, said there is no information linking Lamasan’s death to flood control projects, reiterating that the ongoing investigation is focused on verifiable evidence rather than speculation.
Public reaction to Barzaga’s claims has been largely critical, with residents and local officials calling for respect for the grieving family and caution against unsubstantiated allegations as authorities continue their probe.
Garin and Defensor could not be reached for comment as of this writing.
“To ensure focus and accountability, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) LAMASAN has been created,” PRO-6 said, adding that “all available leads are being carefully examined, with close coordination among concerned law enforcement units, local authorities, and the victim’s family to establish the facts based strictly on evidence.”
According to initial reports, an alleged accidental firing occurred on December 30, 2025 at Lamasan’s abode in Puerto Real Subdivision in La Paz, Iloilo City. The vice mayor was reportedly handling her firearm.
Lamasan later succumbed to her gunshot wound a day after while undergoing medical intervention at a private hospital.
PRO-6 emphasized that “all investigative procedures are being conducted with professionalism, objectivity, and full respect for due process,” assuring the public that updates will be released only through official police channels as developments arise./PN
