2 hurt in accidental shooting in Naga City

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer accidentally shot two persons who were attending a fluvial procession to honor Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro in Naga City.

In a text message, Bicol police spokesperson Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib told The STAR that the incident was caused by the large number of devotees that attended the event. She said Lt. Col. Errol Garchitorena was supervising his men who were securing the Panganiban Bridge in Barangay Dinaga at around 5:30 p.m. when his handgun fell to the ground and went off.

Injured were Marison San Carlos, 26, and Raul Mathias Arteta, 31. Probers are conducting an investigation to find out if Garchitorena committed lapses during the incident.