Punishment sought vs cop over accidental firing

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Residents want the military to punish a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps for the accidental discharge of a pistol that resulted in the wounding of a minor in this city last Sunday.

Investigators said Pfc. Michelle Ortega of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division was checking her handgun, which she was about to deposit with security guards at a mall, when she accidentally pulled the trigger.

Witnesses said the bullet hit a minor.

Superintendent Efren Salazar, chief of the city’s police precinct located near the mall, said Ortega rushed the minor to a hospital for treatment.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, spokesperson for the 6th ID, said they would investigate the incident as soon as Ortega, who is on leave, returns.