CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – An eight-year-old boy was killed when a gun of still unidentified caliber that his 12-year-old brother was playing with accidentally went off in Taytay town in Palawan last Dec. 31.
The Philippine National Police-MIMAROPA office identified the victim as Gian Paulo de la Vega, who died on the spot.
The victim’s brother was reported to have left their home after the incident out of shock and fear but returned after two days. He and his family underwent counseling at the municipal social workers’ office last Jan. 3.
Authorities are still conducting further investigation and have not identified the owner of the gun. They are also looking at filing charges against Gian’s parents who were not around when the incident occurred.