MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A 32-year-old police officer died after he allegedly shot himself inside a residence in Purok 1, Barangay Linabo in Malaybalay City on the night of February 28, 2026, authorities reported.
The victim, identified only as a patrolman assigned to the Cybercrime Unit of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), was reportedly stationed in Makilala, Cotabato Province. He was living with his partner at the time of the incident.
According to initial police reports, the incident occurred at around 8:45 p.m. Investigators said the officer had been drinking alcoholic beverages prior to the shooting. His partner allegedly confronted and reprimanded him about his drinking, noting that he was already intoxicated.
The discussion reportedly escalated into an argument. Authorities said the officer then took his service firearm from a sling bag and fired several shots into the ground and the walls of their house.
Moments later, the officer allegedly turned the gun on himself and fired a shot to his head.
Despite the severity of the injury, family members and responders attempted to rush the officer to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. However, he was later declared dead.
Police who responded to the scene recovered the firearm used in the incident. Investigators said the weapon still contained five live rounds inside the magazine, with one round loaded in the chamber at the time it was secured.
Authorities have yet to release further details as part of the ongoing investigation, including whether additional factors may have contributed to the incident. Meanwhile, the remains of the police officer have been prepared by his family for wake and burial.
The tragic incident highlights growing concerns over stress, mental health, and alcohol-related issues among uniformed personnel, although officials have not yet issued an official statement on the matter.