Store attendant wounded in accidental firearm discharge

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A female convenience store attendant was injured after a security guard’s firearm accidentally discharged at a 7-Eleven branch in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro, Iloilo City, early Thursday.

The incident occurred at around 1:10 a.m. on Jan. 30, police said.

The victim, identified only as alias Pamela, 21, of Zone I, Barangay Bito-on, Jaro, sustained a gunshot wound to her left inner thigh.

She was rushed to the West Visayas State University Medical Center for treatment.

Police identified the security guard as alias Garry, 31, of Barangay Bungsi, Mambusao, Capiz.

Initial investigation showed that the guard was having a meal in the store’s back room when the incident occurred.

At the time, Pamela and a co-worker, identified as Ramil, were moving stocks through a narrow space behind the guard’s seat.

As the workers attempted to pass, the guard reportedly stood up, causing his firearm to detach from its holster and fall to the floor.

The gun allegedly discharged upon impact, striking Pamela.

Maj. Eduardo Siacon Jr., chief of Iloilo City Police Station 9, said the guard was arrested and found in possession of a caliber .38 revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition.

A spent cartridge case was also recovered at the scene.

Siacon said both parties later agreed to amicably settle the incident.