ILOILO CITY – An investigation is ongoing regarding the self-inflicted gunshot wound of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) member inside the District Headquarters in Barangay Obrero, Lapuz, Iloilo City.
The victim has been identified as Ensign John Lyndon Pondoc, a resident of Paratong, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, who is married with two children.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Commander Richard Gura, Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard District-Western Visayas, explained that the victim was in the resting area when he approached the duty sentinel, Coast Guard Non-Officer Bernard, 26 years old.
After reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, body camera recordings of the duty sentinel, and witness testimonies, it was discovered that the victim borrowed the 9mm caliber pistol for a demonstration.
Bernard removed the magazine and checked the gun to ensure it was unloaded before handing it over to Pondoc.
However, after receiving the firearm, the victim inserted the magazine, prepared the gun, aimed it at his right temple, and pulled the trigger.
Pondoc was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The firearm, a magazine containing 14 unspent bullets, and a recovered bullet were taken by the Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) team for proper disposition. The personal belongings of the duty sentinel are currently in the custody of the duty investigator.
The victim’s remains are at the hospital morgue, awaiting an autopsy for further examination.
-𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗮
