San Carlos cop dies after accidental firing

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A 28-year-old policeman who was involved in an accidental firing passed away in a hospital last Friday, five days after the incident.

Police Captain Honey Labaro, deputy chief of San Carlos Police Station, confirmed on Sunday the death of one of their personnel assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Labaro said the victim, whose name was withheld, died around 8:36 a.m. on July 26 in a private hospital due to brain trauma. His remains will be brought to his residence in Isabela town.

Early in the morning of July 21, the policeman dropped by his girlfriend’s house in Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City, before heading home from work.

His Glock 17 9mm caliber pistol was tucked in his waist when he took it to transfer to his sling bag. However, his service firearm hit his right jaw, and he accidentally pulled the trigger.

He underwent surgery and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital for a few days before he passed away.

Labaro said they have extended financial assistance to their colleague’s family to aid them with medical expenses.