MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang joined hundreds of netizens who expressed grief over the death of seven-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella who was struck by a stray bullet on New Year's Eve.
"Together with the Filipino people, we extend our deepest sympathies to Stephanie’s family. No one should experience the overwhelming heartbreak that her family is now enduring, especially during a season of celebration and hope," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement Wednesday.
Lacierda condemned the accident, saying the burden lies on everyone to not let the tragedy be repeated by making celebrations responsible and safe.
"This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how a reprehensible act from a thoughtless individual can rob our people, particularly our children, of their futures," the spokesperson added.
Ella, who was hit on the head while watching fireworks with her family, was among the 40 victims injured by stray bullets fired during the revelry.
Before her death at 2:27 pm on Wednesday, netizens prayed alongside Ella's family who was hoping for a miracle that the child recovers from her critical state.
Users reacted to the news of her death, addressing their tweets to @Philstarnews, calling the tragedy "horrible" and "heartwrenching."
@philstarnews she was home watching fireworks with her family 15 minutes to midnight & fell to the ground. stray bullet hit her in the head.
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) January 2, 2013
"@philstarnews: Stray bullet puts girl in coma, 39 more hurt shar.es/hLrgN" this is just horrible news
— Keyser Soze (@KeyserSozeMD) January 2, 2013
Saw her in TV patrol. Heartwrenching. Sayang yung bata! RT"@philstarnews: Stray bullet victim Stephanie Nicole dies shar.es/hLY0I"
— JunpaX• Rebollos™ (@junrebs) January 2, 2013
RIP. to whoever fired that shot, may she haunt you. RT @philstarnews: Stray bullet victim Stephanie Nicole dies shar.es/hLY0I#fb
— AledelGonzalezCuizon (@superproxy) January 2, 2013
Social media users projected louder sentiments for government regulate fun owners and seek justice for the child's demise.
Condolence to the family of the late Stephanie Nicole Ella. GUN BAN FOREVER!!!!
— Rockin Ragde Spartan (@sPaRTaN0r1g) January 2, 2013
Utang na loob, huwag nang magpaputok ng baril tuwing bagong taon! At sa nakabaril kay Stephanie Nicole Ella, there is such thing as justice.
— Tony Castelltort (@tonycastelltort) January 2, 2013