PNP: Number of stray bullet victims increased sixfold, no one killed 

(Updated 1:50 p.m.) The New Year was greeted with a sixfold increase in the number of stray bullet victims, with Philippine National Police figures showing 13 people have been reported hurt since December 16, 2013.

“We are concerned na marami nga pero on a positive note wala naman pong nasawi sa bilang na ito,” PIO-PNP Chief Supt. Reuben Sindac said in an interview  on "News To Go" Wednesday morning.

The rise in the number of victims occurred despite heightened police vigilance, even as the PNP canceled its personnel's Christmas and New Year breaks and implemented a first-time firearm nozzle-taping for security guards.



There were only two stray bullet victims during the same period last year, the report added.

Sindac on Wednesday said 32 people were arrested nationwide for unlawful firing of firearms, including four policemen.

“...'Yung isa doon [sa police] kasi ay suspect for a stray bullet victim... 'Yung tatlo naman 'yung unauthorized discharge of a firearm na nagmumula sa Region 5, Region 8 at Region 1,” he said.

The four policemen are facing administrative cases in addition to criminal cases.

“He [the cop suspected for stray bullet] will be subject to summary dismissal proceedings at 'pag napatunayan na siya ay guilty, aabot hanggang sa dismissal po iyan,” Sindac said.

The PNP conducts nozzle-taping of issued service firearms each year for the Yuletide season, but Sindac said it was possible that the police personnel who are being held for firing guns may have used their personal firearms.

“The nozzle taping ng mga baril is more of a deterrent and a symbolic gesture to remind our police forces not to use their guns or their issued firearms unnecessarily,” he said.

Meanwhile, civilian violators may face a prison term from one month to one year with a maximum penalty of six years and a fine from P20,000 to P30,000.

“Generally speaking, maliban doon sa isolated cases and incidents, on a national scale po ay generally peaceful ang pagsalubong natin sa 2014,” he said.

The PNP had confiscated at least 13,692 illegal fireworks with a total value of P1.3 million. — Andrei Medina and Vida Cruz/LBG/KG, GMA News