Teen Dies After Self-Inflicted Gunshot in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

Trigger warning: This story contains details about self-harm and violence.

BACOLOD CITY – Police are investigating how a 15-year-old senior high school student acquired a firearm, which he used to shoot himself after an argument with his girlfriend in Barangay Villamonte on Sunday.

The name of the victim, a native of Sagay City, Negros Occidental, who was temporarily residing in Bacolod, has been withheld.

Police Captain Francis Depasucat, head of Police Station 4, said the victim and his minor girlfriend may have met in the area to talk, but they got into an argument.

After the argument, the girlfriend reportedly told the victim they should go to school for practice. However, the victim insisted on staying, and the girlfriend left.

It was at this point that the victim allegedly shot himself in the head with a .45-caliber firearm, according to Depasucat.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but passed away hours after the incident.

Police recovered a fired cartridge from the scene.

Depasucat also noted that people close to the victim said he had previous suicide attempts. The cause of the argument between the couple remains unclear, but they were allegedly discussing personal matters, which have not been disclosed.

The firearm has been submitted for ballistic examination as authorities continue to investigate its ownership.