Authorities rule accidental gunshot in Lamasan death

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Authorities have concluded that Dueñas, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan died from an accidental firing, following a command conference and review of evidence.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. confirmed the finding during a press conference at Iloilo International Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Remulla, Philippine National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II earlier visited Lamasan’s wake.

“After examining all evidence and testimonies, it’s fair to conclude that the cause of death was accidental firing,” Remulla said.

Remulla said investigators spoke with Lamasan’s eldest daughter, who described a good relationship between her mother and her partner, Lord Byron Torrecarion.

“He raised her kahit niya anak. He treated her as his own,” Remulla said.

Authorities also reviewed the couple’s financial records and found no irregularities, he said.

Investigators likewise interviewed Lamasan’s siblings and mother and found no history of depression.

“They had an almost perfect life,” Remulla said.

Given the circumstances, Remulla said authorities ruled out both suicide and homicide.

“We ruled out suicide. We ruled out homicide. We are looking at accidental firing,” he said.

Remulla said affidavits and testimonies were reviewed and found to be consistent.

He added that investigators recreated the scene of the incident.

“So far, consistent siya with the narration of facts,” Remulla said.

Investigators found that Lamasan was a gun enthusiast who owned 10 registered firearms.

The fatal weapon was identified as a 9mm Tanfoglio pistol.

Authorities said the incident occurred at around 7:50 a.m. on Dec. 30 at the couple’s residence in Puerta Real de Iloilo in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Lamasan was preparing to travel to Dueñas for a gift-giving activity.

“Tinanong siya ni Lord Byron kung baka gusto niya palagyan ng optics ang baril,” Remulla said, noting that the firearm belonged to Torrecarion.

Gun optics are sighting devices that provide a clearer aiming point to improve shooting accuracy.

Remulla said the firearm had a very light trigger.

“She picked with her thumb on the trigger,” he said.

The gun discharged, and a hollow-point bullet struck Lamasan in the abdomen.

Remulla said the injury was severe, as the bullet fragmented upon impact.

“The bullet is lethal. Walang exit wound. Kumalat ang bala sa loob,” he said.

The Philippine National Police earlier disbanded the Special Investigation Team handling the case and formed the Special Investigation Task Group Lamasan, headed by Morico.

Remulla said the case was elevated because the victim was an elected official who died from a firearm-related incident.

“All persons who died in gunfire must be investigated, more so that she’s a vice mayor. We have to conclude with all certainty the cause of her death,” he said.

Remulla criticized earlier lapses by Iloilo City police investigators, saying they failed to immediately process the scene.

“They investigated 36 hours later. Hinintay na mamatay before they investigated,” he said.

Remulla said the investigation should have been conducted immediately at the scene.

He also dismissed online claims linking Lamasan to flood control controversies.

“The vice mayor was not involved in any way sa flood control. She’s not involved in any way sa projects ng munisipyo. Magkasundo sila ni mayor. There’s no political angle here,” Remulla said.

Despite the ruling, Remulla said the investigation will continue.

Morico said investigators will still secure statements from attending physicians and validate findings from the forensic unit.

Morico added that an initial interview with Torrecarion has already been conducted.

Remulla said there is no need for an autopsy, as gunshot residue and trajectory findings are consistent with accidental firing.

“The trajectory would point to accidental firing,” he said.

Remulla said paraffin residue on Lamasan’s clothing indicated she was holding the firearm.

He added that a paraffin test on Torrecarion would no longer be useful, as a week had already passed.

Authorities said Lamasan was brought to St. Paul’s Hospital of Iloilo by Torrecarion and her police bodyguard after the incident.

She died the following afternoon.