PNP reports 18 cases of illegal discharge of firearms over the holidays

There were at least eighteen cases of illegal discharge of firearms recorded from December 16, 2021 to January 2, 2022, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In Jonathan Andal’s 24 Oras Weekend report, it was said that the majority of these incidents were caused by civilians.

The PNP also recorded four alleged stray bullet incidents in the Ilocos, Calabarzon, Northern Mindanao, and Cordillera Regions.

Of these, one victim based in Batangas was hit by a stray bullet in the head and is now getting treatment in a hospital.

“We have recorded one injury [from a] stray bullet in Batangas. So, sa ulo po siya tinamaan [he was hit in the head] and now he is in the hospital,” Police Colonel Nolie Asuncion said.

A woman in Sinait, Ilocos Sur was also injured after getting hit by a stray bullet while watching television on New Year's Eve.

She was said to be in a better condition now while the authorities continue their investigation on the matter.

Two soldiers are also facing six counts of frustrated murder after they allegedly shot civilians while drinking on Christmas Day, injuring six, including three minors.

The Commission on Human Rights condemned the firing incident and said it would look into the matter.

For their part, the PNP said there were no reported firing and stray bullet incidents coming from the police force and private gun owners on Christmas Day.

The PNP also said that crime incidents in the country decreased by 20% from December 1 to 27, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News