PNP: 12 injured due to stray bullets amid New Year 2024 revelry

A total of 12 people have been injured due to stray bullets amid the celebration of New Year 2024, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said on Tuesday.

“Dito naman po sa kaso natin ng stray bullets ay meron po tayong naitala so far na 14 incidents. Twelve po remain unidentified at 12 po ang injured,” Fajardo said in a press briefing.

(We have recorded 14 incidents of stray bullets so far, Twelve suspects remain unidentified and 12 individuals were injured.)

Fajardo also clarified that the "first fatality" due to a stray bullet turned out to be an "accidental shooting" during a drinking companion.

She explained that the gunman and three other drinking companions covered up the incident as a case of stray bullet. But after undergoing paraffin tests, the gunman admitted his involvement in the incident.

According to Fajardo, the gunman has undergone inquest proceedings while the three other suspects will also face criminal complaints.

The PNP also reported 20 incidents of illegal discharge of firearms.

Perpetrators include two cops, two soldiers, a barangay kagawad, 12 civilians, and two unidentified persons.

Complaints have been filed against all identified suspects.

Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP has recorded two fatalities and 972 injured persons due to firecrackers.

Two fire incidents caused by firecrackers also killed two people and injured nine others.

Authorities have arrested 83 persons for illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers. 

A total of 217,079 pieces of prohibited firecrackers have been confiscated worth P4,190,988.50. Most of them are Judas’ belt, five star, piccolo, and kwitis, among others. —Joviland Rita// VAL, GMA Integrated News