Teen scavengers hit by stray bullets

MANILA, Philippines - A 14-year-old scavenger was killed and his 13-year-old companion seriously wounded when they were hit by stray bullets while gathering recyclable items from a garbage heap in Tondo, Manila Friday afternoon.

Chief Inspector Alberto Peco, who heads the homicide section of the Manila Police District, said Jaime de Leon Jr., of Balut, Tondo was declared dead on arrival at the Tondo Medical Center from a bullet that entered his back and went through his chest.

Peco said Marjim Villamor is scheduled for surgery for gunshot wounds in the abdomen and right leg at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

According to Peco, the victims were on Road 10 in Balut when two groups of unidentified men figured in a riot. Shots were fired, and witnesses saw the two boys fall on the garbage heap. Their relatives rushed the boys to the hospitals.

Peco said his investigators are still facing a blank wall on the identity of the gunman. – Nestor Etolle