Dueñas, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan passed away on Thursday while receiving medical treatment for a gunshot wound sustained after accidental firing while in her home at Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz, in Iloilo City.

Her family confirmed her passing following surgery to remove the bullet from her abdomen, according to Aksyon Radyo Iloilo reporter Jocelyn Maque.

Police Captain Jeffrey Delgado, chief of Police Station 2, said their initial investigation indicates that Lamasan had been preparing to attend a gift-giving event when the accident occurred.

Lamasan intended to stow her 9mm pistol in a safety bag when it suddenly discharged.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Forensic Unit now has the firearm in their possession. Authorities will still be conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the circumstances surrounding her death.