‘No foul play in Iioilo vice mayor’s death’

ILOILO CITY , Philippines — Authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan of Dueñas, Iloilo from a gunshot last month, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed the result of the investigation at a press conference held at the Iloilo International Airport yesterday.

Remulla, along with acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, visited Lamasan’s wake.

“After examining the pieces of evidence and testimonies of witnesses, it is fair to conclude that the cause of death was accidental firing,” Remulla said.

He said that Lamasan accidentally shot herself as she was putting her pistol in a safety box in her property in Lapaz, Iloilo City on Dec. 30.

Lamasan died in a hospital the following day.

Citing results of investigation, Remulla said Lamasan picked up the gun the wrong way, causing it to go off. The bullet hit her abdomen.

He said that Lamasan and her partner, Lord Byron Torrecarion, had no issues in their relationship, which was confirmed by the daughter of the late vice mayor.

Police said Lamasan was a gun enthusiast and had 10 firearms registered under her name.

Nartatez said there was no indication that Lamasan shot herself or was killed by another person.