A tragic incident in Naga City, Cebu, has claimed the life of a 36-year-old bird hunter after an accidental discharge of his airgun. The victim, Reycris Batocael, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital following the mishap, which occurred on Sunday evening, March 22, 2026.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The accident took place at approximately 10:00 PM in Purok Center 3, Barangay Tangke, Naga City. According to police reports, Batocael had been out bird hunting earlier in the day with his wife, Fatima, and friends in Barangay Cantao-an. After the hunting trip, he placed the airgun in his backpack for storage.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
Upon returning home around 9:00 PM, Batocael attempted to remove the silencer from the airgun. It was during this process that the weapon accidentally discharged, firing a shot that struck him directly in the chest. His wife, who was in the kitchen at the time, heard a loud gunshot and rushed to find her husband bleeding profusely.
She immediately sought help and transported him to South General Hospital. Despite these efforts, medical personnel declared Batocael dead upon arrival due to the severe chest wound.
Police Investigation and Findings
Police Lt. Col. Dexter Calacar, chief of the Naga City Police Station, confirmed that the incident was accidental. He stated that there was no suspicion of foul play, as the victim likely did not realize a pellet remained in the airgun. The family has opted not to request an autopsy, being convinced that no malicious intent was involved in the death.
Safety Concerns and Community Impact
This unfortunate event highlights critical safety issues related to handling airguns and other firearms. Authorities emphasize the importance of proper storage and handling procedures to prevent similar accidents. The local community in Naga City has been left in shock, mourning the loss of a resident known for his hunting activities.
As investigations conclude, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with recreational hunting and the need for heightened awareness around weapon safety.
