BAGUIO CITY — What was meant to be a joyful Christmas season for a family turned into tragedy after a young soldier was killed in an alleged accidental shooting in Abra on Christmas Day.

According to Eduardo Calawit, his son had spoken to the family by phone on Christmas Eve, 24 December, saying he planned to come home before the end of the month. His son, Private First Class (PFC) Archie Calawit of Charlie Company, 50th Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, was stationed in Poblacion, Lacub, Abra.

The elder Calawit said the family received a call on Christmas Day from Archie’s cousin, informing them that the soldier had been fatally wounded. Authorities later told the family that he was allegedly shot accidentally by a fellow soldier.

Based on the initial report of the Lacub Police, PFC Calawit was inside a kitchen hut when another soldier, who was in a separate hut about 15 meters away, was cleaning his 9mm service pistol. The firearm allegedly discharged accidentally, striking Calawit.

The incident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. on 25 December 2025.

Calawit was rushed to the town’s Rural Health Unit but was declared dead on arrival.

Police said the bullet entered the victim’s lower left shoulder and traveled toward his upper chest. The projectile did not exit the body.

The soldier involved in the incident immediately surrendered to authorities and is expected to face a homicide charge.

Calawit’s remains were transported by his family and relatives to their residence in Baguio City.