ILOILO, Philippines — Dueñas Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan was injured after sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen in what authorities are initially considering a case of accidental firing. The incident occurred at around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, at her residence in the La Paz district of Iloilo City.

According to Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Police Colonel Kim Legada, the vice mayor was reportedly preparing her belongings for travel back to Dueñas when the firearm discharged. Police investigators are still examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether proper firearm handling procedures were followed and if any negligence was involved. As of the latest update, Vice Mayor Lamasan is in stable condition and receiving medical care at a hospital.

While the investigation is ongoing, the incident has already sparked public discussion, particularly because it involves an elected official and a privately owned firearm. Accidental shootings, though often underreported, remain a serious concern in the Philippines, especially in households where firearms are present without strict safety measures. This case underscores how even trained or licensed individuals are not immune to lapses that can result in life-threatening injuries.

Beyond the personal ordeal faced by Vice Mayor Lamasan and her family, the incident raises broader questions about gun safety awareness, storage practices, and the responsibility of public officials as role models. Should there be stricter protocols or periodic re-training for firearm owners, particularly those in public office? And how can authorities strengthen education on safe gun handling to prevent similar incidents? As police continue to piece together the facts, this case serves as a sobering reminder that firearms demand constant caution. Accidental or not, the consequences can be severe—making firearm safety not just a personal responsibility, but a public concern that deserves renewed attention and discourse. (Larawan: Facebook)