Guard accidentally kills fellow guard

CEBU - A security guard of Metrobank along Fuente Osmeña met an untimely death yesterday morning when he was hit by the bullets of his own service firearm.

The victim was identified as Raymund Mondero, 38, a resident of barangay Quiot Pardo.

Investigation revealed that Mondero’s fellow security guard, Jershom Bomcalom, 28, was to take over Mondero’s post when the latter reportedly checked the victim’s .38 revolver and got interested with a “specialized” bullet.

Wanting to borrow the “specialized” bullet, Bomcalom then reportedly volunteered to remove it from the gun and replace it with another, to which Mondero agreed.

However, while Bomcalom was doing so, the gun went off, hitting Mondero on his right thumb and left chest.

Bomcalom later said what happened was an accident, but admitted the gun was pointing at Mondero when he was changing the bullet.

At that time, the gun had five rounds of live ammunition.

Metrobank employees who were at the parking lot at the time of the incident reportedly even warned the security guards of a possible accident when they saw Mondero changing the bullet in the open.

Bomcalom rushed Mondero to the Visayas Community Medical Center nearby but the victim was declared dead on arrival.

Charges for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide are now being prepared against Bomcalom. – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)