BACOLOD CITY — A three-year-old boy tragically died after being accidentally shot by his two-year-old cousin in Negros Occidental, police confirmed. The incident occurred on March 19, 2026, in Barangay Bunga, Don Salvador Benedicto, when the children found a firearm outside the victim’s home and mistook it for a toy.

According to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, the victim and his cousin discovered the gun near the house and brought it inside to play. In the course of their playtime, the younger child accidentally pulled the trigger, hitting the three-year-old in the chest.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Authorities said the firearm was left unattended, though they have not yet disclosed who owned the weapon.

Police investigators explained that the children’s innocence and lack of understanding of the danger led them to believe the gun was a toy. “They assumed it was a toy gun and took it inside the victim’s room to play,” the police report stated.

The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and officials have withheld further details about the case. The incident has reignited discussions on gun safety and responsible firearm ownership in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas where firearms are more accessible.

Local authorities are conducting an investigation to determine how the firearm ended up within reach of the children and whether charges should be filed against the gun’s owner.

Community members expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of gun safety laws and better awareness among households.

This heartbreaking case underscores the dangers of unsecured firearms and the importance of keeping weapons out of the reach of children.