Off-duty soldier accidentally fires gun toward self while on drinking spree

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur –– Police investigators have ruled out foul play in the death of an off-duty soldier in Tukuran town, Zamboanga del Sur on Sunday, Jan. 31, while on a drinking binge with friends.

Citing the account of witnesses, Police Captain Jubain Grar, Tukuran police chief, said Army Staff Sergeant Neil Gonzalez accidentally fired his caliber .45 pistol while placing it on safety mode.

Gonzales pulled out his gun that was tucked in his waist, to transfer it to his sling bag, Grar said.

While checking that it was on safety mode, ”he accidentally squeezed the trigger,” Grar added.

A bullet hit the left side of Gonzales’ head, causing his immediate death.

Gonzales was with the Army’s 1st Infantry Division Training School in nearby Pulacan town.

On Sunday, Gonzales visited his friends in Sto. Niño village of Tukuran town while he was on break from official duties.

LZB