Gun goes off at Comelec canvassing venue

MANILA, Philippines — A gunshot rang out Monday night at the Philippine International Convention Center’s The Forum, the venue of the national canvassing of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Asked about the gunshot that was heard at around 7 p.m., Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said it was just an “accidental firing” that occurred during the guards’ shift change.

“They were transferring firearms and this means they needed to draw their weapons for safekeeping and to be turned over to the next guard,” he said.

The incident took place in the Comelec security personnel’s improvised office at The Forum, where the commission convened as the National Board of Canvassers to conduct the official tabulation of votes.

Jimenez said no property was damaged and no one was injured.

The Comelec will improve its security protocol to prevent similar incidents from happening, he added.