Stray bullet kills woman in cop entrapment operation in Tarlac

A 24-year old woman died after being hit by a stray bullet during a police entrapment operation in Gerona, Tarlac, according to a 24 Oras Weekend report on Sunday.

The victim was taking a vacation at her parent’s house when the fatal incident occurred.

The victim’s mother said her daughter was declared dead on arrival after she was rushed to the hospital. Her one-year-old grandchild was safe.

“Hinabol daw po 'yung anak nya tumakbo, siguro yung pagtakbo nya may tama na siya kasi nandito sila nakahiga eh,” said Pilipina Grasagin, the victim’s mother.

(She chased after her child who was running. She might have already been hit since they were lying down there.)

According to the report, police laid an entrapment operation to arrest persons behind the illegal sale of firearms in the area.

During the operation several gunshots rang out. Several houses and some animals were reportedly hit by gunshots. It is unclear who fired their weapons.

One person was arrested but denied he was a suspect.

“Wala po akong alam sir kasi magtatanim lang po ako ng palay tapos may narinig akong putok, kaya tumakbo ako," he said.

(I do not know anything, sir, because I was just going to plant rice. After I heard a gunshot I ran.)

The family of the victim is demanding justice for their loved one.

Police seized five guns of different calibers but several suspects managed to escape.

GMA Integrated News has sought comments from the police regarding the incident but they have yet to respond. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News