Senior Citizen Killed, Wife Critical in Improvised Shotgun Accident in Toledo City
A tragic incident in Toledo City, Cebu, has left a senior citizen dead and his wife in critical condition after an improvised shotgun accidentally discharged. The accident occurred at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Purok 4, Barangay Bagamat, Toledo City.
Victims Identified and Injuries Detailed
The deceased has been identified as Merto Goc-ong, a 63-year-old farmer. According to medical reports, he sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the abdomen and right arm, leading to his death. His wife, Felisa Goc-ong, an elderly woman, suffered a head wound and is currently in critical condition at Toledo City General Hospital.
Account of the Accident
Felisa Goc-ong recounted to authorities that her husband was attempting to secure the improvised shotgun, commonly known as a pugakhang, when it suddenly fired. Due to the close proximity of the couple, Merto was directly hit in the abdomen, while Felisa was struck in the head by shrapnel from the shotgun blast.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Local police conducted an investigation at the scene of the accident. During their inquiry, they recovered one shell casing and two live rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition. The evidence has been collected for further analysis as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discharge.
The incident highlights the dangers associated with improvised firearms and underscores the importance of proper handling and storage of such weapons. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
