Sulu logs 5 stray bullet, 2 firecracker injuries

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Five persons were hit by stray bullets while two others were injured by firecrackers during the New Year revelry in Sulu, authorities reported yesterday.

Police said a majority of Sulu residents fired guns to welcome the New Year.

Reports from the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office showed that victims of stray bullets were recorded in Barangay Tagbak, Indanan town as well as in the villages of Asturias, Busbus, Takut-Takut and Tulay, all in the capital town of Jolo.

Two injuries caused by a baby rocket firecracker and butane-fueled cannon were recorded in Kalusutan Village, Barangay Busbus.

The provincial health office said at least three victims of a piccolo firecracker were recorded in Panamao town on Dec. 3.

The overwhelming number of gunfire during the revelry made it difficult for police officers to trace the owners of the firearms that wounded the five victims.

Police and military authorities admitted that loose firearms still circulate in Sulu despite a government campaign to recover all undocumented and unlicensed firearms.