Davao police mourn colleague’s death from accidental firing

DIGOS CITY –– The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) mourns the death of a police desk officer who accidentally shot himself while having dinner inside the San Pedro Police station at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

Major Jack Leon Tilcag, chief of the San Pedro Police Station, said Staff Sergeant Renante Dapa Mercado was on duty as desk officer of the station for the first time when the accidental firing happened.

Police Auxiliary Chelo Maderal told reporters that he served Mercado’s dinner that evening, after which Mercado stood up to get a glass of water. When he (Mercado) came back, Maderal saw him remove the holster of his issued firearms and placed it on the desk.

Maderal already left the area when he suddenly heard a gun burst and when he came back to check, he saw Mercado already bathing in his blood.

Authorities said the bullet (reportedly from Mercado’s gun) hit the left side of Mercado’s head and exited to the right side, causing his death.

The Davao City Police Office released a statement on Wednesday asking for people’s understanding and compassion.

DCPO also asked netizens to stop spreading “false and malicious messages” on social media out of respect to the fallen officer and his grieving family.

Colonel Kirby John Kraft, DCPO director, assured the family of financial assistance as he extended his deepest sympathy to the family.

“We will delegate personnel to assist family members in processing his claims,” Kraft said in a statement. “His untimely passing is difficult to bear but I hope that his family can take solace from the fact that PSSG Mercado has served well his country.”

Kraft also reminded all men and women in uniform to take precautions in handling guns. He also ordered the conduct of a refresher course on gun safety and responsible gun ownership to stop a similar incident from happening again.

Edited by LZB