Victim of stray bullet dies in Mariveles, Bataan —PNP

A person hit by a stray bullet died in Mariveles, Bataan, while at least four others across Luzon were injured by indiscriminate firing during New Year's Eve festivities as well.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on 24 Oras on Monday, the victim had gone out on a balcony to get some air Sunday night and was hit by a stray bullet.

"Kaagad pong dinala nila ito sa Mariveles District Hospital subalit binawian din po ito ng buhay," said Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo.

Elsewhere, a woman in Antipolo was hit by a stray bullet while watching fireworks with her family outdoors.

CCTV footage shows Joan Jimenez grasping her arm as the bullet hit her. "Masakit, mahapdi…lumapit ako sa tito ko, sabi ko patingin kasi parang may tumama na paputok, akala ko paputok. Pag tingin ko...sabi nila bala po," she said. 

She was treated at Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC). "Sabi po nila sa amin, buti na lang hindi tumama sa mga nerves, kasi talagang magiging baldado daw po," said Jimenez, adding that she is particularly thankful that she had handed off the child she was carrying to a relative before the incident.

Antipolo police said they have a possible location for where the bullet was shot from.

ARMMC also treated a person from Marikina who had been hit in the foot. "There was no extracted bullet, there was only a broken toe," said ER resident Dr. Miguel Mortega, adding that the patient was treated and sent home. 

In San Fabian, Pangasinan, two other people were apparently victims of stray bullets as well.

Region 1 Medical Center health emergency and disaster management services head Dr. Camilla Rosario-Navarro said that one had declined to be admitted while the other was sent home after treatment. "Maganda kasi daplis lang at nakauwi sila," she said.

The PNP's official tally of stray bullet incidents is still only at two, lower than in previous years. "Nag-conduct na sila ng trajectory examination, for possible identification, kung saan maaaring nanggaling itong mga bala," said Fajardo. — BM, GMA Integrated News