Another ‘Nicole’ in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - About two months ago, seven-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella was killed by a stray bullet in Tala, Caloocan.

This time, a 16-year-old student is fighting for his life after a stray bullet hit him in the head as he slept at his home in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City on Tuesday morning.

John Kurt Galang was in critical condition at the East Avenue Medical Center, according to chairman Inar Trinidad of Barangay 176, where the victim resides.

Ella was watching fireworks outside her house in Barangay 185 on New Year’s Eve when hit in the head. Her case, which became a national issue, has yet to be resolved.

Galang’s grandfather said they were sleeping when an “unusual noise” roused them at around 12:40 a.m.

The old man said he stood up and saw a hole in their roof and blood dripping from the head of his grandson.

He rushed the boy to Jose Rodriguez Hospital in Tala, Caloocan. The boy was later transferred to East Avenue Medical Center.

‘Gunfire heard but ignored’

Based on initial investigation, the noise that awakened the grandfather came from gunfire in their neighborhood of Phase 8A.

Diosdado Tegerero, leader of barangay 176, told investigators that a group of youngsters suspected to be members of a fraternity ran away after sensing the arrival of barangay watchmen.

“Shortly, gunfire was heard but they ignored it, only to learn later about the victim being hit by a stray bullet,” the police said.

Police are looking at a possible gang war between rival groups that allegedly clashed that morning.

“Members of these warring groups are now being identified to establish their link to the incident,” police said.

The bullet that hit the boy remains embedded in his head, while another slug was recovered on the roof of a neighboring house.

Forensic examiners from the Northern Police District, which supervises the Caloocan police, are determining the bullet trajectory.

The Bagong Silang High School and the barangay, meanwhile, have provided financial assistance to the boy’s family.

Trinidad told The STAR that he has ordered his barangay tanod to intensify patrol in the area.

Barangay officials are also coordinating with the police to identify the gun owner.