A tragic accident during the New Year celebrations claimed the life of Aimee Paz Lamasan, the Vice Mayor of Dueñas, Iloilo. On December 30, 2025, an accidental discharge of her 9mm pistol at her residence in La Paz, Iloilo City severely wounded her, leading to her death the following day despite emergency medical intervention. The incident has dampened the festive spirit across her community and brought renewed focus on firearm safety among public officials in the province.
Vice Mayor Lamasan Succumbs After Accidental Gunshot Wound
On the morning of December 30, around 7:00 a.m., Vice Mayor Lamasan was reportedly handling her firearm in the dining area of her home located in Puerto Real de Iloilo Subdivision (Barangay Tabuc Suba), La Paz, when the pistol unexpectedly discharged, striking her on the right side of her abdomen. Her live-in partner, Lord Byron Torrecarion, was the sole witness to the incident and immediately alerted authorities.
Emergency responders rushed Lamasan to St. Paul’s Hospital where she underwent two surgeries. Although she initially showed signs of stabilization, complications led to her death on the evening of December 31, 2025. The sudden loss sent shockwaves through her constituents and the local government she served.
Ongoing Police Probe Examines All Angles
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), in tandem with La Paz Police, launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the firearm discharge. The probe includes ballistic testing of the weapon, paraffin tests on Mr. Torrecarion to verify any powder residue, and confirmation of firearm ownership through the Regional Civil Security Unit.
Major Shella Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, emphasized a cautious approach, stating, “As of now, accidental firing is one of the main focuses of the police. But as we are saying na nagpapatuloy pa ang follow-up natin, so in case na merong mga ebidensya na mag-surface na otherwise mag-consider tayo ng ibang anggulo,” assuring the public that the investigation remains open to alternative explanations should new evidence arise.
Local Officials Mourn a Dedicated Leader
Mayor Robert Martin Pama of Dueñas publicly grieved the loss of his deputy, describing Lamasan as a devoted public servant. In a Facebook tribute, he wrote, “There are no goodbyes between us… See you in the next life… I know we will still be together…… Rest in peace to my beloved Vice-Mayor.”
Congressman Ferjenel Biron of the 4th District praised her steadfastness and integrity, calling her “mapisan kag masaligan”— a leader of integrity, compassion, and genuine service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of the people she served.”
Family Privileges Privacy Amidst Deep Grief
The Lamasan family, grappling with profound sorrow especially with the accident occurring during the traditionally joyous New Year period, has requested privacy. Merloi Lamasan Piccio, the Vice Mayor’s aunt and a former municipal official herself, reflected on the emotional toll, saying, “Ang iba tumatawag sa amin na umiiyak sa telepono na wala na at bakit si Vice Mayor Aimee talaga. Masakit sa aming pamilya dahil ngayon New Year pa, tahimik muna kami, parang silent lang ang family namin ngayon.”
Firearm Safety Questions Surface in Iloilo Province
This isolated yet tragic incident in a residential setting raises critical concerns about the handling and storage of firearms among public officials in Iloilo and the wider Western Visayas region. Under Republic Act No. 10591, strict regulation of firearm ownership and usage is mandated nationwide. Police authorities are meticulous in their approach, adhering to established protocols including ballistic and paraffin testing to determine the exact sequence of events.
The incident also highlights the broader societal risk associated with firearms kept in homes — a practice common among many Filipinos living in provinces where police presence may be limited, and firearms are often used for self-defense. Safety advocates suggest this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder about the critical need for stringent observance of firearm safety measures.
Leadership Void and Community Impact
Vice Mayor Lamasan’s death leaves a palpable void in Dueñas’ local leadership just as the municipality navigates the post-holiday season, a time that requires intensified coordination of barangay programs and public services. Officials anticipate a short-term disruption, with the community mourning alongside disruptions to routine governance.
Despite the incident’s localized nature, it reverberates deeply among the local “masa,” underscoring the emotional and operative effects such tragedies imprint on small-town dynamics and governance.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues into the early days of 2026, ICPO and affiliated authorities remain committed to uncovering the full truth behind the firearm’s discharge. The police have indicated that their findings will guide subsequent actions, whether confirming the incident as a tragic accident or opening consideration for alternative explanations.
For now, the people of Dueñas and Iloilo province remember Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan as a dedicated public servant whose untimely death has sobered a community at the start of a new year.
