Three hurt as cop’s gun ‘accidentally discharges’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three persons were injured after a police officer’s gun accidentally discharged evening of June 18, 2020 in Pandan, Antique.

Police reports identified the victims as Evelyn Salvador, 42; Jun Mar Zapico, 29; and an unnamed minor. All are residents of Sitio Bora, Barangay Dumrog, Pandan, Antique.

Personnel of Pandan Police Station proceeded to Barangay Dumrog, a village some 15 kilometers from the town proper, following reports that a person was brandishing a firearm in the area.

They arrived around 7:55 p.m. Thursday and immediately cordoned the scene. The responding officers identified themselves but the suspect, 32-year-old Marcelo Testigo, allegedly did not yield.

He then aimed and fired his caliber .38 revolver at the officers.

“Because of bad weather, Police Patrolman accidentally slipped and squeezed the trigger of his firearm that resulted in injuries to the said victims,” the Pandan Police Station reported.

Testigo was arrested but his firearm remains missing.

Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Danny Eguis, Pandan police chief, said they are still investigating the case, especially the victims’ injuries and Bantigue’s status.