In a police report, the victim was identified as Police Corporal Fhrank Aldene Dela Cruz, 30.
Investigator on the case, Staff Sergeant George Maramag, said Dela Cruz’s team was cleaning their firearms for an inspection around 8:30 a.m. at the Barangay 1-B Hall in San Pablo City, Laguna.
While checking on his firearm, Corporal George Mervin Duran took off the magazine, then it suddenly went off, hitting Dela Cruz on the chest.
Dela Cruz was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Duran was placed under custody, while appropriate charges were being prepared against him.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said he has ordered police commanders to review their men on proper cleaning and handling of their firearms to avoid similar incidents. (SunStar Philippines)