ILOILO City — A member of the Philippine Coast Guard died after allegedly taking his own life inside their district headquarters in Lapuz district on Tuesday morning, March 4.
Authorities identified the victim as “John”, 29, who was on duty at the time of the incident.
According to Police Captain Lester Oliveros, officer-in-charge of Iloilo City Police Station 8, John requested to borrow a standard-issue 9mm pistol from a fellow coast guard member, supposedly for a demonstration.
The duty sentinel checked the firearm, removed the magazine, and confirmed it was unloaded before handing it over. However, John reinserted the magazine, pointed the gun at his head, and pulled the trigger.
Investigators have ruled out accidental firing, concluding that John deliberately ended his life. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead at around 1 p.m.
Police also revealed that John had previously shown signs of suicidal tendencies and had attempted to harm himself in the past.
Authorities have yet to determine the reason behind his actions as investigations continue./PN
