Still no recorded deaths due to stray bullets – PNP

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to record a death due to stray bullet during the holidays.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, the PNP’s Ligtas Paskuhan 2015 monitoring indicated there was no death caused by stray bullets.

The monitoring also detailed at least 36 people injured due to bullets from still unknown sources and now the subject of investigation.

Initial reports said that an 11-year-old girl was hit by a stray bullet in San Pablo, Isabela and a 48-year-old woman in Valenzuela City was hit while sleeping inside her bedroom.

Natalie Taguimacon was hit in her left foot and taken to Milagros District Hospital in nearby Cabagan town.

San Pablo Police chief investigator SPO1 Florencito Daquioag said a .45 caliber bullet which apparently pierced the roof was rocovered in the girl’s bedroom.

Meanwhile, Amabeth Barredo sustained a gunshot wound in her back and was treated at the Valenzuela Medical Center. The bullet also pierced the roof of her bedroom.

The PNP launched operational guidelines on “Ligtas Paskuhan 2015” starting Dec. 16 and will last until Jan. 5.

Police arrested seven persons for illegal discharge of firearms, including a policeman, a security guard and five civilians.

PNP spokesman Chief Supet. Wilben Mayor said police units will continue the monitoring until after the holidays as many Filipinos, who spent Christmas Day and New Year Day in the provinces, are coming back to Metro Manila.  – Ghio Ong, Raymund Catindig