Teen Dies in Air Gun Accident; Farmer Shot in Dispute

A 59-year-old farmer was shot dead following a heated argument in Barangay Kumaliskis, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 13-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with an air gun while playing at home in Barangay Purisima, Manapla, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Police said the victim’s sister was in her room when she heard the air gun discharge. Upon checking, she found her brother wounded in the living room and immediately called for help.

The boy’s parents were attending a meeting when their daughter informed them of the incident.

The victim sustained a wound to his right eyebrow and was rushed to a hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.

That evening, the parents surrendered the air gun involved in the incident to authorities.

According to police, the boy’s father said his son often played with the air gun at home.

The family believed the incident was an accident, ruling out foul play.

In a separate incident in Barangay Kumaliskis, Don Salvador Benedicto, a 59-year-old farmer was allegedly shot dead by a 35-year-old laborer following a heated argument on the same day.

Police said the two men engaged in a fistfight after a dispute. The suspect reportedly left but later returned with a 12-gauge shotgun.

The victim suffered multiple pellet wounds that caused his death.

Authorities recovered the murder weapon, three rounds of ammunition, and a spent shell from the scene.