Soldier accidentally shoots cousin dead

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A soldier voluntarily turned himself in after he allegedly killed his cousin in a freak accident late afternoon of July 5, 2022 in Jamindan, Capiz.

Police identified the soldier as Sergeant Joemariel Vacaro, 35, a member of Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion based in Camp Carreon in Calinog, Iloilo.

According to a report, the incident happened at Vacaro’s residence in Barangay Aglibacao, Jamindan.

The soldier and his cousins, Arnulfo Vacaro and Jesreel Vacaro, were drinking liquor when the supposed accidental gun discharge happened.

The trio was allegedly playing with the soldier’s caliber .357 revolver.

Jesreel said he temporarily left the drinking table and went outside to pee. He claimed to have heard a single gunfire burst from about five meters away.

He hurriedly went back and saw Jomariel hugging Arnulfo.

Jesreel said he noticed blood oozing from the victim’s body. He then ran towards his motorcycle and turned on the engine while Jomariel carried the Arnulfo. They took the victim to Jamindan Rural Health Unit.

Arnulfo was subsequently transferred to Capiz Memorial Hospital in Roxas City where he died while undergoing treatment.

According to Captain Tobias Garfin, Jamindan police chief, Arnulfo and Sergeant Vacaro were playing with the revolver.

But since they were both drunk, the soldier may have accidentally pulled the trigger and the bullet hit the victim.