Iloilo City cop dies in apparent accidental firearm discharge

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 39-year-old police corporal died from a gunshot wound to the head in what investigators believe was an accidental firearm discharge in La Paz, Iloilo City on Saturday.

The victim was assigned at the Miagao Municipal Police Station but was on detailed service at the Ramon Avanceña Hall of Justice.

According to reports, the victim and his common-law wife were cleaning their rented house at Barangay Gustilo, La Paz, around 11:30 a.m. on April 12 when the incident happened.

The woman said she was in their room while the corporal was cleaning the stockroom when she heard a gunshot.

She immediately rushed to check the other room and found the victim lying on the floor with blood gushing from his head.

Police were immediately called to respond to the incident.

The victim was rushed to Iloilo Mission Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

He sustained a lone gunshot wound to the head.

Capt. Gimel Acuesta, Iloilo City Police Station 2 officer-in-charge, said they are still investigating the incident together with the Scene of the Crime Operations team.

Initial reports pointed to a possible accidental discharge of a firearm, he said.

The victim’s family said they do not believe there was foul play.

The victim, a resident of Barangay Lihit, San Joaquin, Iloilo, and his partner have no children together, but he stood as a father figure