4 children hit by stray bullets in Binondo

Four children were hit by stray bullets when two men shot at each other reportedly over the control of illegal electric connections in Binondo, Manila yesterday.

Senior Inspector Arnulfo Ibañez said Kim Daniel, 5; Cris Balansay, one; Joan Balansay, 9; and John Carlo Armoda, three, were rushed to Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center and are undergoing medical treatment.

According to reports, Bonifacio Lebrilla, 47, and a certain “Baldo” figured in a heated altercation over the collection of fees for illegal power connections in a slum area in Parola Compound, Binondo. Then the two men pulled out their guns and started shooting at each other.

Ibañez said Lebrilla was hit in the body and was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila. Baldo escaped.

It was not clear how the four children were hit in the crossfire. One of them is reportedly in critical condition, Ibañez said.

Police are now guarding Lebrilla at the hospital, while a manhunt for Baldo has been launched.        – Nestor Etolle