1 dead from stray bullet in Manila on Christmas Day —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday reported a fatality in a stray bullet incident in Barangay Laurel, Tondo, Manila on Christmas Day.

Based on the PNP data, the victim was on a drinking spree when a stray bullet hit them around 12:50 a.m. 

Police recovered a 9 mm caliber pistol, but the suspect remains at large. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing. 

Meanwhile, the PNP has arrested seven suspects for indiscriminate firing from December 16 to December 26 as of 7 a.m. 

These arrested suspects were reported in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Caraga, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Negros Island Region.

Earlier, the PNP warned police personnel and gun owners that a one-strike policy will be enforced against indiscriminate firing during the holiday season.

“Ang baril ay hindi laruan at lalong hindi simbolo ng kawalan ng disiplina… Sa panahon ng selebrasyon, mas mahalaga ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa. I-celebrate natin ang Pasko at Bagong Taon nang ligtas, tahimik, at walang napapahamak,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier said. 

(A firearm is not a toy and certainly not a symbol of lack of discipline… During celebrations, everyone’s safety is more important. Let us celebrate Christmas and New Year safely, peacefully, and without anyone getting hurt.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News