The mistakes made on September 9, 1990, did not fall under the commonplace category.

ROTC familiarization firings of the late 80's and early 90's were normally conducted at the 11th Regional Community Defense Unit (RCDU) headquarters in San Gabriel, Mintal, Davao City. These were rigidly controlled affairs; managed by range masters who hawkishly oversaw every minute detail of the proceedings. Cadets were thoroughly briefed about proper gun handling, dealing with gun malfunctions, and other do's and don'ts.

Most firearm accidents are caused by a failure to comply with basic firearm safety guidelines; common sense rules that cover practically all common errors in gun handling. But the factors that caused the near disaster on that day were procedural

The austere marksmanship training facility featured three ranges with buldozed earthen burms on either side and to the rear.

Firings were rigidly controlled affairs. Each had a designated range master who controlled