• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A 27-year-old police officer who had just completed a specialized training died on Friday, Nov. 11 after allegedly shooting himself accidentally with his service firearm in Barangay Caranoche, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
The victim was identified as Patrolman Leonard James Fajardo, a resident of the municipality’s Barangay Cawitan.
He is a member of the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region.
Initial police investigation showed that Fajardo, who graduated from the Basic Internal Security Operations Course on Nov. 10 at the Regional Special Training Unit-Negros Island Region training site in Barangay Kabulakan, was reportedly celebrating his graduation when the incident occurred.
He is survived by his pregnant live-in partner.
A witness told investigators that Fajardo was having a drinking session with acquaintances outside a residence when he took out his 9mm service firearm to demonstrate how it worked.
The gun allegedly discharged while he was handling it, hitting him in the forehead.
Following the gunshot, a witness reportedly sought help from Fajardo’s live-in partner, who was inside the house.
The neophyte police officer was rushed to the Bayawan District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by attending medical personnel.
Police investigators are conducting a deeper probe to establish the exact circumstances and sequence of events leading to the shooting and determine whether it was purely accidental.
Meanwhile, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office reiterated its reminder to police personnel and licensed firearm owners to strictly observe gun safety protocols, stressing that firearms should never be handled carelessly or displayed during social gatherings, particularly when alcohol is involved. | GPB
