THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating if there were “lapses” that led to the death of a 12-year-old boy in Bulacan who accidentally shot himself while playing with his father’s service firearm that he brought to his school in Bulacan.

“Definitely, there are lapses, and that is part of the investigation. We are investigating the circumstance, how the kid was able to have access to his father’s service firearm,” PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Red Maranan said in a radio interview.

“We will look if he was able to secure his firearm. This is part of our administrative investigation,” he added when asked if the police officer may face charges of negligence.

The boy died after he accidentally shot himself while he was playing with his father’s 9mm Beretta service firearm inside the lavatory of his school in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.

He was rushed to the hospital where he later died of a gunshot wound.

“We are saddened by the incident that befell the child of our comrade. Because of that, we are extending our condolences because it is really painful to lose a child, especially if it was your own gun that killed the child,” the police said.

He then said the incident should serve as a wake-up call to all police officers and armed civilians.

Maranan added that gun safety is chiefly being discussed at a seminar that is being required for those applying for a license to own and possess a firearm.

He said that firearms should be kept in a secure place like a cabinet with a key, or atop a cabinet to make sure little children will not be able to get them.