Special team finds no evidence of foul play on Iloilo VM’s death, yet

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) Lamasan of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said it has so far found no evidence to support allegations of foul play in the death of Dueñas Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan.

ICPO Director and concurrent SIT Lamasan commander Police Col. Kim Legada said the investigation remains ongoing but, “as of now, there’s no evidence that would warrant a probable cause to charge any person.”

Police said Lamasan allegedly shot herself accidentally at about 7:50 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2025, inside her home on Ubay Street in the Puerto Real de Iloilo Subdivision, Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Her partner, Lord Byron Torrecarion, and her police bodyguard rushed her to St. Paul’s Hospital of Iloilo after the incident.

Lamasan died the following afternoon, police said.

Legada said investigators requested Torrecarion to undergo a paraffin test, but when asked if he had complied, the police chief said, “Wala pa nag-reply positively” (He has not replied positively).

Legada also said a paraffin test would now be immaterial because several days had already passed since the incident.

Torrecarion, 49, is a ranking official at the Land Transportation Office central office and a former regional director of the Office of Civil Defense in Region 8.

Legada said Lamasan was assigned two police bodyguards who worked on a shifting schedule.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Police Security and Protection Group approved the detail of two police personnel to Lamasan after receiving reports of undisclosed threats against her life.

Legada said the police bodyguard who brought Lamasan to the hospital and her 22-year-old daughter have already executed affidavits.

He declined to disclose details of the affidavits.

Torrecarion and the household helper have yet to execute sworn statements, Legada said.

“The affidavits given by Vice Mayor Lamasan’s daughter and the PSPG personnel are vital in our investigation,” Legada said.

The SIT Lamasan is conducting a case build-up and remains in constant consultation with a prosecutor regarding the evidence gathered so far, Legada said.

The Iloilo City Police Office created SIT Lamasan “to ensure a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation into the death of Vice Mayor Lamasan,” he added.

Police Lt. Col. Lorenez Losaria serves as assistant commander of SIT Lamasan.

Members of the team include personnel from the City Operations Management Unit, City Intelligence Unit, City Community Affairs Development Unit, City Investigation and Detective Management Unit, Public Information Office, City Legal Office, and Police Station 2.

The team is being augmented by personnel from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6, the Regional Civil Security Unit 6, and the Regional Forensic Unit 6.

Police said the creation of SIT Lamasan aims to centralize and strengthen investigative efforts, ensure strict adherence to Philippine National Police operational procedures and enhance coordination among concerned units.

Appealing for prudence and sensitivity, Legada urged the public to refrain from making statements, speculations or sharing information not based on verified facts, saying these could cause additional pain and distress to the grieving family.

“Let us allow the investigation to take its proper course and be guided by truth, evidence and due process,” Legada said.

As part of standard investigative procedures, SIT Lamasan has requested a ballistic examination of the firearm involved, a paraffin test on the victim’s live-in partner, an autopsy and the collection and review of closed-circuit television footage from the surrounding area.

Police said these forensic and technical examinations are crucial in determining the factual circumstances of the incident.

The Iloilo City Police Office said it is closely coordinating with surviving family members to ensure transparency and proper communication throughout the investigation.

Legada assured the public that the police remain committed to a careful, objective and evidence-based investigation, with conclusions anchored solely on verified facts.

SIT Lamasan also encouraged anyone with relevant information to coordinate with authorities as the investigation continues.

Police clarified that claims linking the incident to alleged flood control issues are outside their jurisdiction, noting that such matters fall under the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.