Cop kills aunt, 62

A 62-year-old widow was killed when her nephew’s gun reportedly accidentally fired and hit her during a farewell party at her residence in Sta. Mesa, Manila Thursday night.

Aida Ignacio was declared dead on arrival at the Lourdes Hospital due to a gunshot wound on the left side of her body.

Her nephew, Police Officer 1 Jopel Jacobe, 27, detailed at the Headquarters Support Service at Camp Crame, was arrested by the Manila police in San Ildefonso, Bulacan several hours after the accident.

Jacobe also surrendered the fatal gun, his personal .45 caliber pistol.

He said he removed the magazine of his .45 caliber pistol before putting it inside his travel bag. However, he had been drinking and accidentally squeezed the trigger. The remaining bullet at the chamber fired and hit his aunt.

He said his relatives rushed his aunt to the hospital, while he went to a friend’s house in San Ildefonso, Bulacan as he was still in shock due to the incident.

Jacobe said his relatives knew that the shooting was accidental and are ready to testify for him.

However, Jacobe will still be charged with a bailable offense of homicide, according to Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr. who heads the homicide section of the Manila Police District.

“Being a policeman, he should know the proper handling of a loaded gun,” Yanquiling said.   — Nestor Etolle