Man 'accidentally' kills self

CEBU, Philippines – A man met his untimely death when the gun he was "testing" fired straight to his temple.

The man was identified as Pablo Rivera Jr., 26, a resident of Barangay Kasambagan this city. He was reportedly depressed at that time because his live-in partner has just left him.

Rivera's neighbors, Jhufel Saraosos, 25, and Bryle Luna, 20, told authorities they were drinking with Rivera at the house of SPO2 Protacio Villarin, a retired policeman last Sunday evening.

Rivera, already drunk, suddenly took out a gun, checked it, and pointed it to his right temple, saying "Ako testingan og mubuto ba ni…"

It was already too late for the others to stop him.

Villarin, who was playing mahjong nearby, rushed to his house when he heard the gunshot. He immediately sought assistance from the Mabolo police when he saw Rivera sprawled on the ground.

Saraosos and Luna rushed Rivera to the Cebu City Medical Center, but he passed away a few hours later. 

Luna said Rivera had confided to them that he was very depressed because his live-in partner left him to work in Manila.

Police recovered a home-made snubnose caliber .38 with two live ammunition from the crime scene. The gun was turned over to the homicide section for proper disposition. (THE FREEMAN)