• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A 28-year-old woman is recovering in the hospital after she was accidentally shot by her live-in partner during a heated confrontation in Purok Masinadyahon, Barangay 12, Bacolod City, early Friday morning, January 16.
Police Station 1 identified the victim as Janica Nabaja, while the suspect, who is now in police custody, was identified as 27-year-old Mark Jocel Ilalim, a resident of Barangay Bagroy, Bago City.
According to the initial investigation by PS1, the couple were engaged in a heated argument at around 6 a.m.
A witness, identified as John Paul, attempted to intervene and pacify the situation.
During the struggle, Ilalim reportedly drew a homemade .22 caliber firearm and fired a shot intended for John Paul.
However, the suspect missed his intended target and instead hit Nabaja. The victim sustained a single gunshot wound to her right shoulder.
She was immediately rushed to the Riverside Medical Center for treatment, where she is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Responding officers from PS1 successfully arrested Ilalim at the scene.
The homemade firearm was recovered, and the suspect is currently being held at the lock-up cell of Police Station 1 pending the filing of appropriate charges.*
