GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A nine-year-old boy remains in critical condition after he was struck in the head by a bullet from a .38-caliber pistol that allegedly went off accidentally while being handled by another minor inside a residence in Purok Neri, Arca Farm, Barangay San Isidro, on the evening of August 3, 2026.
According to police reports, authorities received a distress call at around 6:20 p.m. regarding the shooting incident. Responding officers immediately proceeded to the area, where they found signs of the incident inside the house, including bloodstains, although the firearm involved was no longer at the scene upon their arrival.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Vincent,” 9 years old and a resident of the area, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. He was immediately rushed to Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital, where he remains under intensive medical care. Police said the child’s condition is critical.
Initial investigation revealed that another minor, identified by the alias “Jimboy,” 13 years old, was allegedly playing with a .38-caliber pistol inside the house when the firearm suddenly discharged, striking Vincent in the head.
Police have taken the 13-year-old into protective custody for proper documentation and investigation in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law and children involved in incidents.
Further investigation also disclosed that the house where the shooting occurred is owned by Rustom Madrid, reportedly the victim’s uncle and a reservist of the 105th Brigade, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. Authorities identified him as the alleged owner of the firearm involved in the incident.
PMaj. Fermin Sadaypan, chief of Police Station 4 (San Isidro Police Station), said officers responded immediately after concerned citizens reported the shooting. Investigators are now working to determine how the firearm became accessible to the children and whether criminal liability may arise from the alleged failure to properly secure the weapon.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether charges will be filed against the firearm owner pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the safe storage of firearms inside homes, particularly when children have access to them. Law enforcement authorities continue to remind licensed firearm owners that guns should always be unloaded, secured, and kept out of the reach of minors to prevent similar tragedies.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.