2 students hurt in accidental discharge of gun in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Two students were wounded after the “accidental discharge” of a light machine gun at a car show in Tagum City on Saturday afternoon, November 29, the military said.

Lieuterant Vergel Lacambra, public affairs officer of the military’s 10th Infantry Division, said the incident happened at a car show where soldiers from the 71st Infantry Battalion were invited to showcase their services, including their weapons.

Lacambra said the soldiers were already packing up their display at around 4:30 pm  when the students asked to have their picture taken with a Daewoo Precision Industries K3 squad automatic weapon.

One of the students accidentally triggered the gun sending a burst of 3 rounds. 

The two students suffered minor injuries caused by splinters after the bullets hit the ground, and were immediately brought to the hospital for proper medical attention, Lacambra said.

He said the students are from the University of Mindanao Tagum.

Lacambra said it is standard protocol to clear the chamber of a gun and to remove the magazine before weapons are placed on public display.

“The military will definitely provide assistance to the victims while the soldiers involved will be dealt with accordingly,” he said. – Rappler.com