BATANGAS City -- A police officer from the Batangas Police Provincial Office was hospitalized after a firearm inside his bag accidentally discharged, striking the left side of his chest.
According to PCapt. Ricardo Cuevas, Chief Investigator of Lipa City Police Station, the incident occurred as the officer was in the process of swapping vehicles.
While transferring his belongings from his old vehicle to a new one, one of his sling bags fell to the ground.
As he bent to retrieve it, the gun, a 9mm handgun, accidentally discharged.
The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Lipa City.
Cuevas suggested that an item within the bag may have inadvertently triggered the firearm. He emphasized the importance of adhering to basic safety protocols and recommended the use of belt bags to reduce the risk of accidental discharges.
"It is possible that items such as wallets or various IDs inside the bag, given its single compartment, may have come into contact with the trigger, leading to the discharge," Cuevas explained.
He urged his colleagues to remain vigilant and mindful of safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Photo courtesy : GMA Network/ LipaCity Police Station
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon