A 23-YEAR-OLD man seeking shelter from the downpour died after he was hit by a stray bullet fired by a policeman who was chasing a robbery suspect along Camus street and Quirino Avenue, Davao City on Saturday night.
The victim was identified as Roger Saura Bernardino, an oil mill operator, and a resident of Central Ilang, Davao City.
The man believed to be responsible for his death is police officer Benhur Deiparine, of the San Pedro police station and deployed at the City Hall.
However, Chief Insp. Alden Delvo, chief of the San Pedro police, said the shooting was accidental. He said he is prepared to face investigation and charges should Bernardino's family file a case against them.
Deiparine, after bringing the victim to the Davao Doctors Hospital, voluntarily surrendered with his caliber .9mm gun, with a masking tape on the firearm's muzzle open.
The muzzles of all firearms of policemen were taped just before Christmas to discourage them from using their guns during the Christmas and New Year revelries.
The victim was hit in the arm that exited in his stomach. Based on investigation conducted by SPO2 Kelvin Joy Magno, the incident occurred at around 10:40 p.m.
Bernardino, together with two other companions, were onboard a motorcycle when heavy rain poured. The three decided to seek shelter on the sidewalk at the corner of Camus and Quirino streets.
Deiparine at that time was waiting for a taxi and on his way home from work. Suddenly, a homosexual appeared, running and shouting for help, pointing to a man chasing him who he said wanted to grab his wallet. Upon cornering the homosexual, the man started mauling him, creating a commotion.
Deiparine identified himself as a police officer and tried to stop the squabble by wielding his gun to stop the suspect from further hurting the homosexual.
The suspect wrestled with Deiparine and tried to grab his firearm. The gun accidentally fired and hit Bernardino who was standing nearby.
Deiparine chased the unidentified man but he disappeared in the dark as he ran toward Mt. Mayon Street.
According to Delvo, the victim's companions can attest that the shooting was accidental. Delvo said all Deiparine wanted was to pacify the suspect who was mauling the homosexual.
Delvo clarified that despite the seal on the firearms, they can still use their guns in line of duty. "Gi-seal man lang na to prevent indiscriminate firing during new year," Delvo said.
Deiparine is now under the custody of the San Pedro police. (RCO)
