15-year-old victim of indiscriminate firing still fighting for her life

The 15-year-old teenage girl hit by a bullet from indiscriminate firing during the New Year's festivities in Malabon City remains in critical and unstable condition, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.

Emilene Villanueva is fighting for her life after a bullet hit her head while watching the fireworks display on New Year's eve in Brgy. San Agustin, GMA News' Victoria Tulad reported.

Villanueva is confined at the Intensive Care Unit of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

According to Dr. Monica Ang, officer of the day at JRMMC, there is no plan to perform surgery to take out the bullet that got lodged in the middle of Villanueva's brain. A blood vessel was also hit by the bullet. 

She added that surgery will more more of a risk and may harm the patient.

Villanueva is undergoing medical decompression to help her wake up from coma.

Ang added that based on Villanueva's current condition, she has little chance of survival.

The family has been advised of her condition but they are still hoping it will improve.

Not stray bullet

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said it was not a stray bullet that hit Villanueva.

Investigation by Malabon Police showed a man who got mad at his neighbor fired the gun. However, instead of shooting the target, it was possible he hit Villanueva.

A manhunt for the suspect is still ongoing.

Firecracker injuries

Meanwhile, the number of people injured due to firecrackers was lower this year compared to that of 2016.

Based on data from JRMMC as of 11 p.m. Sunday, 65 were brought to the hospital for firecracker injuries since Dec. 21.

On Jan. 1, 2016, the number of those injured due to firecrackers reached 101. 

Sixteen of the victims this year were hurt by the illegal firecracker piccolo, while those injured by "kwitis" numbered 14.

Other injuries were caused by pla pla, lucis, baby rocket, and pop pop.

Two of the injured had to have their hands amputated. 

Only one of those injured remains in the hospital for observation as of posting time.

JRMMC management is hoping the number of firecracker victims will continue to be lower than last year's.

The hospital will remain on code white until Wednesday. —KG, GMA News