ISABELA -- A policeman assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit died after he accidentally shot himself in their backyard in Agustin St., San Andres, Santiago City on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Belated report said the victim was identified as Master Sergeant Henry Ariola Esteban, 46, an active member of the Philippine National Police.
Around 12:40 p.m., Perla Esteban Alcid, Barangay Chairwoman of San Andres, Santiago City reported the incident to the Police Station 1.
The barangay official told the police that the accidental firing happened at the victim’s backyard.
Police said that based on the declaration of the victim’s mother, the policeman was proceeding to the river for a sort of dry firing.
While still in his backyard, the policeman slipped on the ground and his gun allegedly went off, hitting him.
The mother immediately called for help. The victim was brought to Santiago Medical City by Santiago City Rescue Team but was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Luzviminda Fuerte.
Santiago City Forensic Unit processed the crime scene and was able to recover one unit of caliber 9mm pistol Glock 17 issued to the victim and an empty shell.