Fratman grabs cop’s pistol, shoots self

CEBU, Philippines - A member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity shot himself inside the San Nicolas Police Station yesterday morning.

Glenn Cagulada, 35, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, remains in serious condition at the Cebu City Medical center where he was taken after his botched suicide.

Cagulada, who was at the police station for safekeeping following his first attempt to commit suicide last Sunday evening, grabbed the service pistol of PO2 Antonio Tejero at 10:45 a.m. and shot himself in the mouth.

Tejero had just arrived at the police station from the regional headquarters when Cagulada followed him and grabbed his Glock 9mm pistol from the holster.

Tejero tried to grapple for the firearm but it was already too late as Cagulada immediately put the muzzle of the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

The bullet lodged in his nape and needs to be operated on to remove it. Cagulada’s jaw was also broken because the bullet went through it.

“Ako untang pugngan ang iyang kamot pero nakabuto na nagtuo gani ko nga akoy naigo nakaingon ko nga patay gyud ko (I tried to stop him but when he pulled my gun out of the holster, I thought I would be dead),” Tejero said.

While on the floor Cagulada managed to write the words “SORI Bi” on the floor using his own blood.

San Nicolas Police Station chief Noel Lomente said Cagulada arrived in Cebu City last November 5. He lives temporarily at the house of SPO4 Enrico Golegole in Deca Homes, Talisay City. Cagulada and Golegole are fraternity brothers.

Cagulada came to Cebu because of family problem. In fact, he already tried to commit suicide last Sunday evening at the South Road Properties.

His attempt was averted by Golegole who brought him to the police station for safekeeping.

Meanwhile, an Army sergeant died of accidental shooting inside his barracks in Danao City last Sunday.

Sgt. Rolly Samson of the Echo Company of the 52nd Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Dunggoan, Danao City died of a gunshot wound in the head.

He was reportedly cleaning his Caliber .45 pistol when it accidentally went off.—/FPL (FREEMAN)