BJMP officer’s gun goes off; 2 hurt

MANILA, Philippines — Two female employees of the Quezon City government were wounded when the handgun of a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) officer went off yesterday.

The victims aged 27 and 42 work as office aide and administrative staff, respectively, at city hall.

They are recuperating at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC).

The incident occurred at the Quezon City hall building in Barangay Central at 9:01 a.m.

Police investigators said Jail Officer 1 Joen Adarayan, 26, and other BJMP personnel were about to surrender their firearms to security guards at the city hall’s lobby when his gun, which he took out from his bag, went off.

The bullet ricocheted on the ground, hitting the victims, police said.

One of the victims was hit in her lower leg. The other was hit in her left ankle.

Members of the city disaster risk reduction and management office gave first aid to the victims before they were brought to the EAMC.

Adarayan surrendered to police and turned over his firearm, a 9mm loaded with seven bullets.

Probers recovered five bullet fragments at the scene.

Police said they are preparing criminal cases against Adarayan.