ILOILO, Philippines — The municipality of Dueñas, Iloilo is mourning the sudden death of Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan, who passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound caused by what authorities earlier described as an accidental firing.

Vice Mayor Lamasan was initially rushed to the hospital on Tuesday morning after she sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen inside her residence. Police earlier stated that they were looking into the possibility of an accidental discharge of a firearm while the incident was still under investigation. Despite medical intervention and surgery, her condition worsened, leading to her untimely death.

The passing of the vice mayor was confirmed by Dueñas Mayor Robert Martin Pama through an emotional Facebook post. In his message written in Hiligaynon, the mayor expressed deep grief over the loss of a trusted colleague and close companion in public service, describing Lamasan as his “closest vice mayor” and constant partner through both hardships and successes. His words reflected not only political partnership but a profound personal bond that resonated with many residents.

Beyond the tragedy itself, the incident has sparked renewed public discourse on firearm safety, particularly among public officials and private individuals alike. The loss of a sitting vice mayor due to an alleged accidental firing underscores the serious risks posed by improper handling, storage, or familiarity with firearms. It raises difficult but necessary questions about gun safety awareness, training, and regulation—especially in homes where firearms are present. Vice Mayor Lamasan’s death is not just a personal and political loss for Dueñas, but a sobering reminder that accidents involving firearms can be fatal and unforgiving. As the community grieves, her passing calls for reflection on how such tragedies can be prevented, emphasizing that public safety begins not only in policy and leadership, but also in personal responsibility. (Larawan: Facebook)