Police deepen probe into death of Japanese

CEBU, Philippines — The Mabolo Police Station 4 of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is now expanding its investigation into the death of a Japanese national who allegedly shot himself inside the firing range of Range Ammo-Nation Philippines at Soriano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, Wednesday afternoon.

The victim was identified as Daigo Kokubo, 50, a native of Hokkaido, Japan but is currently staying in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

Police Major Eraño Regidor, chief of the Mabolo Police Station, said that during their investigation, range marshal Angelie Sonet Villacorta said Kokubo arrived at their firing range and requested that he be allowed to shoot.

Villacorta said they assisted the victim inside the firing range. While inside, Kokubo allegedly requested to shoot a Tauros Tracker firearm with 20 ammunition.

Villacorta reportedly briefed the victim about gun safety procedures, and not long after he started firing with one bullet, followed by six bullets and he just continued firing during that time.

During those pauses, Kokubo reportedly asked how many bullets are still unfired. In the last round, Villacorta said that only two bullets remained. He fired another one, then the victim allegedly pointed the gun to his face and fired the last bullet.

“Sige pangutana (Japanese national) og pila nalang nahibilin.  Possible nga naghikog og accidental, so ingon ana ang nahitabo.  Mao na naa man silay CCTV amo gipa-review pero ang range officer under investigation pa nato,” said Regidor.

Regidor said that they will deepen the investigation about the incident. — GAN