5 more stray bullet victims recorded

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday that five more people have been hit by stray bullets, six days before the New Year revelry.

PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the five stray bullet victims are recorded from Sampaloc, Manila; South Cotabato; Benguet; Iloilo and Naga City.

On Wednesday, Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag reported that the first stray bullet victim was recorded in Ormoc City. The victim was hit by a stray bullet inside his house at 1:30 a.m. last December 23.

Read: First stray bullet victim recorded in Ormoc

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has also a case of stray bullet in Marikina City. The victim identified as Roberto Mariano Jr. was walking along Daang Bakal Street in Barangay Nangka, Marikina City when a stray bullet hit him on his right leg at 8:10 p.m. on December 24. He was rushed to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that it has recorded a total of 77 firework related injuries as of December 26. The count started last December 21.

Of the said numbe of victims, 37 were hurt by the Piccolo firecraker, which is famous among children.

The DOH said that the figure was actually smaller compared to the 116 injuries recorded during the same period last year.