26-yr.-old cop in Baguio City accidentally shoots self with his firearm

Baguio City, Philippines - A 26-year-old policeman was found lifeless outside their residence in Pinsao Pilot Project, Baguio City, around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2023.

Before his body soaked in blood was discovered, the victim, Patrolman Jumieko Potennec, was said to be cleaning a 9-mm Zigana PX-9 inside their house.

He headed out of their house after, but 10 minutes later, his family suddenly heard a gunshot.

When his father went out to check on what happened, he discovered that his son sustained a gunshot wound, prompting him to call for help from his other son and neighbors.

Although the police did not specify what part of his body was hit, it was mentioned that he died from a severe traumatic brain injury secondary to the gunshot wound.

The young policeman was brought to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.

Baguio City Police, in a statement, said foul play was ruled out in the incident and described it as a tragic accident.

Meantime, Baguio City Chief of Police, PCol. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. reminded the police force to adhere to the safety principles in handling issued guns to prevent such incidents from happening.

To recall, a policeman also died on October 4 last year after he allegedly shot himself by accident at their house in Maria Basa, Pacdal, Baguio City.