Palace expects results from PNP probes of stray bullet cases

Malacañang on Saturday said it expects results from the Philippine National Police in investigating stray bullet cases that marred the recent holidays.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine National Police had expressed confidence it can trace the perpetrators of such incidents.

"Umaasa tayo the efforts of the PNP will bear fruit," she said on government-run dzRB radio, noting the PNP has been conducting investigation processes such as slug matching.

A report on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali Weekend" cited figures from the PNP indicating 59 cases of illegal discharge of firearms.

The PNP recorded at least one dead and 42 injured from such incidents, and has so far arrested 16 suspects.

Among the victims of stray bullets are a child who died in Abra and a 13-year-old who was hit by a stray bullet in Caloocan City. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News