By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A police officer reportedly killed his drinking buddy after his firearm accidentally discharged on Christmas Eve in Victorias City. He subsequently killed himself. Authorities identified the fatalities as Patrolman Dionel Lutao and his friend, James Karl Sernal, both residents of the said city.
Based on an investigation carried out by Victorias City police, the two, along with several others, were drinking inside Lutao’s house. The police officer in question then asked Sernal to fetch his bag, which contained his service firearm. As Sernal handed the bag over, the firearm accidentally discharged and struck Sernal in the head, killing him instantly.
Lutao and several others ran outside the house, after which, the police officer shot himself.
He was rushed to the city’s emergency clinic but was declared dead on arrival by medical staff.
Victorias City police are still conducting a follow-up investigation./DGB, WDJ