Public safety officer shoots self by accident

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay public safety officer died after he accidentally shot himself in the hip in Quezon City on New Year’s Day.

Edilberto Roque, 50, was declared dead on arrival at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) at around 3:07 a.m., said Police Officer 2 George Caculba.

Caculba said Roque was allegedly seen by his colleagues cocking his improvised shotgun while he was at the desk officer’s table. Minutes later, they heard a shot and saw Roque with blood running down his leg.

The officers tried to bring the victim to the EAMC for treatment, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.