Coast Guard Officer Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly before noon on March 4 at the Coast Guard District-Western Visayas (CGD-WV) headquarters in Zone 2, Barangay Bo. Obrero, Lapuz.

Police reported that the CGD-WV duty sentinel witnessed the officer, identified only as “John,” discharge a 9mm pistol.

John, 29, a PCG Ensign from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, had been in the service for nearly four years. He served as the officer-in-charge of the CGD-WV Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information Division.

Before the incident, John allegedly asked the duty sentinel to borrow the handgun, claiming he needed it for a demonstration.

Captain Lester Oliveros, chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 8, said several officers nearby responded immediately after hearing the gunfire.

The incident was captured on both closed-circuit television (CCTV) and the body-worn camera of the duty sentinel.

Coast Guard personnel rushed John to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead at around 1 p.m. while undergoing treatment.

“It’s considered a case closed because we found no evidence of foul play,” Oliveros said.

Reports revealed that John had previously attempted to take his own life last year, but the attempt was averted.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reiterated the importance of seeking help for those experiencing mental health challenges. Individuals in crisis or those who know someone at risk of suicide are encouraged to reach out to mental health crisis intervention hotlines:

• Center for Health Development – Western Visayas:
  • 1-800-10-333-8336
  • 0998-532-4047
  • 0925-546-9919
• Western Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC):
  • 320-2431 loc. 162 or 209
  • 329-2360
• Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC):
  • 321-1797 loc. 186
  • 503-7708
• Philippine Mental Health Unit (PMHU):
  • 529-8109