Police remind the public: Firearms demand responsibility, not carelessness
Digos City, Davao del Sur — A drinking session turned tragic when an electrician accidentally shot himself while handling his employer’s licensed firearm late Monday night, October 28, 2025, in Barangay San Miguel, Digos City.
The victim was identified as Arniel Seguismar Dela Cerna, 53, a resident of Lapu-Lapu Extension, Zone 3, Digos City, and an electrician working for City Councilor Edmund Alegria Jumawan Jr. Another individual, Moises Bueno, 30, a resident of Teachers Village, Zone 3, also sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
Initial police investigation revealed that Dela Cerna and Bueno were having a drinking session with Councilor Jumawan and two others — Edmark Sumampan and Jamil Comablay — inside EJ Lights and Sounds, a property owned by the councilor.
According to reports, while Councilor Jumawan was asleep on a chair, Dela Cerna attempted to retrieve the councilor’s Glock 40 S&W pistol from his waistband to place it in a safer location. However, the firearm accidentally discharged, hitting Dela Cerna in the leg and also striking Bueno twice in the right calf.
Both victims were rushed to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital, but Dela Cerna was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Hilbert Alesna due to massive blood loss. Bueno remains under medical care.
Recovered from the scene were the Glock 40 S&W pistol registered under Councilor Jumawan’s name, an extended magazine loaded with six live rounds, and three fired cartridge cases. These items were turned over for ballistic examination by the Davao del Sur Forensic Unit led by PMaj. Michael Ondras.
Police Lt. Col. Peter Glenn D. Ipong, Acting Chief of Police of Digos City, urged the public to exercise strict firearm safety and responsibility, stressing that negligence can easily cost lives.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder that guns are not toys. Always treat every firearm as loaded, never point it at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire,” Ipong emphasized.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while reiterating that gun owners must observe the Basic Rules of Gun Safety at all times, especially when under the influence of alcohol or in social gatherings.
⚠️ GUN SAFETY REMINDER:
- Always assume every gun is loaded.
- Never point your firearm at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it.
- Avoid handling firearms under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A moment of carelessness can lead to irreversible tragedy — handle firearms with respect and responsibility.
#GunSafety #ResponsibleGunOwnership #DigosCity #PoliceReminder #SafetyFirst