Police eye accidental firing in death of activist's kin

MANILA, Philippines – Police are eyeing accidental firing in the death of a cousin of slain Fernando Baldomero, councilor and a member of the militant group Bayan Muna, who was shot dead in Kalibo, Aklan on July 5.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao, director of the Western Visayas Regional Police said, Baldomero’s cousin Zosimo was found dead with two gunshot wounds in the chin, in Malinao, Aklan.

Zosimo was a cousin of Fernando was shot dead in front of his 12-year-old child in Barangay Estancia in Kalibo, Aklan on July 5.

Pagdilao said Zosimo was initially reported to be murdered but further investigation showed he could have shot himself with his own .9mm machine pistol while relieving himself beside a tree.

The Western Visayas director told The STAR that prior to the incident, Zosimo and three others were having a drinking spree.

One of the drinking buddies told police that at the height of the drinking bout, Zosimo asked excuse to relieve himself near a tree. As they were all drunk, the witness said they did not notice that Zosimo had not returned.

The witness noted that in the morning, he found Zosimo’s body beside the tree, prompting him to get the guns and covered them with dried leaves nearby. He then reported the incident to the police, who initially connected the incident to the death of Fernando.

After interrogation, Pagdilao said the witness surrendered the firearms and relayed the incident.

Task Force Usig chief Director Raul Bacalzo said the three drinking buddies have been invited and subjected to paraffin test to determine whether they recently fired guns.

Bacalzo said the firearms – a .9mm pistol and a. 357 revolver will be subjected to ballistics.