Comelec confirms ‘accidental firing’ at PICC

Security personnel pf the Commission on Elections gather after a gun of one of their members accidentally went off inside the Philippine International Convention Center, where the poll body, sitting as National Board of Canvassers, was tallyinh votes case in the midterm polls. INQUIRER.net/Cathrine Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines — An “accidental firing” occurred at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, where the Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), was tallying votes in the midterm polls.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said the incident occurred as security officers were changing shifts and transferring their caliber .40 pistols to the next officers in charge.

“We have armed guards in this facility, and a few minutes ago there was a change in shift so naglilipat sila ng firearms, which means that they needed to draw their weapons para mailipat sa susunod na guards. Unfortunately, in that process nagkaroon ng accidental firing,” Jimenez said in a press conference.

(We have armed guards in this facility, and a few minutes ago there was a change in shift so they were transferring firearms, which means that they needed to draw their weapons so it can be passed on to the next guards on duty. Unfortunately, in that process an accidental firing occurred.)

WATCH: Scenes earlier at the PICC where the Comelec was canvassing votes for the midterm polls, after a gunshot from a caliber .40 pistol was heard at around 7 p.m. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/1lWoGysgmI

— Cathrine Gonzales (@CGonzalesINQ) May 13, 2019

He said no one was hurt from the incident as the bullet only hit the floor of PICC.

“No damage, no injury, no loss of life, nothing,” he added.

According to Jimenez, the security personnel have already secured the slug from the firearm.

“We are going to review safety procedures for all of our armed personnel,” he said.

Jimenez also clarified claims of ground security personnel who initially told reporters that the loud thud from the gunshot was from a ply wood that hit the floor.

READ: Police still verifying report of accidental firing at Comelec

Police were earlier deployed in the facility to investigate the incident. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)