Bataan town police chief dies after 'accidentally' shooting self while cleaning firearm

The chief of police in the municipality of Pilar in Bataan died after he allegedly shot himself by accident while cleaning his service firearm.

According to a report on GMA Regional TV “Balitang Amianan”, victim Police Major Rizaldy Rubio was reportedly inside his residence in Orani, Bataan when the tragic incident happened.

Authorities said Rubio’s wife, who is also a police officer, saw the victim’s bloodied body after hearing a gunshot. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to a gunshot wound on his stomach.

“Posibleng nakalabit itong gatilyo kasi nakita namin sa scene may mga panlinis ng baril kaya ang suspetsa namin itong si Major Rubio ay naglilinis ng baril,” Orina Police Station Chief Police Major Larry Valencia said.

(He may have possibly pulled the trigger because we saw at the scene that there were cleaning supplies for firearms. We suspect Major Rubio was cleaning his gun.)

“Pwede naman sya sa residential area as long na secured ang area walang mga possible na ma-injure. Kung susundin naman talaga natin ang procedure ng paglilinis dapat magazine out tapos walang naka-chamber load. Hindi po natin alam ano ba ang nangyari at that time kung na-observe niya ang mga safety protocols regarding sa pag-handle ng safety firearms,” he added.

(It may be cleaned in residential areas as long as the area is secured and there are no individuals that may be injured. If we follow the proper procedures in cleaning, the magazine should be removed. There should be no chamber load also. We don’t know what happened at that time if he observed the safety protocols in handling firearms.)

The victim’s family, friends, and colleagues mourned his death.

“Itong si Major Rubio napakabait, napaka simpleng tao, matulungin. Napakasipag sa trabaho, napaka-low profile kaya yung ibang gun holders dapat mag-ingat sila sa pag hawak po nila ng service firearms,” said Valencia.

(Major Rubio is very kind, simple, and helpful. He is also very hardworking and has always kept a low profile. That’s why gun holders should always be careful in handling service firearms.) -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA News