3-month-old baby killed, 21 more injured by stray bullets - PNP

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 22 stray bullet victims during the New Year revelries including a three-month-old infant killed in Ilocos Sur.

Speaking to radio dzMM, PNP Spokesman Wilben Mayor said the infant died while being treated at the Gabriela Silang General Hospital.

A radio report earlier said the baby was sleeping inside their house but suddenly started crying. He was then found bloodied by the parents.

Mayor said 21 more people were injured by stray bullets since Dec. 16.

In the previous New Year celebration, Mayor said the PNP recorded 40 stray bullet cases from Dec. 16, 2012 to January 2, 2013.

One of the victims was eight-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella, who was also killed by a stray bullet while watching firecrackers in their neighborhood in Caloocan City.

The Department of Health gave a lower figure of stray bullet cases on Wednesday.

Announcing its official toll on New Year revelry injuries, the agency said nine people have been injured by stray bullets as of 6 a.m. of January 1.

The number of firecracker-related injuries so far is at 599.