TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, (PIA) – A high ranking official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has vowed to prosecute individuals who violated the law during holiday season.
In a press statement, Police Regional Office 8 OIC Regional Director Chief Superintendent Asher Abanilla Dolina said, despite government’s campaign against illegal discharge of firearms during holidays, a number of individuals continue to violate the law in the region.
As recorded by police authorities, two persons were nabbed for illegal firing and another two are still under investigation. The first suspect was caught by Almeria Biliran Police while the other suspect who is an alleged AFP reservist reportedly created trouble and challenged everyone to a fight at Purok 2, Scandinavian Village, Barangay 100, Tacloban, City. Said suspect was said to be under the influence of liquor when he fired his firearm.
Furthermore, two civilians were hit by stray bullets during the new year revelry. Fortunately, the victims were safe after treated at the nearest hospital.
Both incidents happened a few minutes before the new year comes. The first victim, a resident of Sitio Olot, Barangay Bolusao, Lawaan, Eastern Samar was hit by a slug on his left little finger while watching a television inside his home on December 31 at 11:45 in the evening. The slug, believed to be from a caliber 45 fell from the roof of his house and was turned over to the police. The other victim who is a resident of Barangay Guindapunan West, Carigara, Leyte was hit on his neck by a stray bullet. Another stray bullet from an unknown caliber was also found inside the home of Helen Aquin Y Dy at Sto. Nino Street, Tacloban City.
Investigation disclosed that the Aquin family heard a noise and upon checking, they noticed a hole in their ceiling and discovered a stray bullet on their bed.
Meanwhile, PNP has reported a reduction of firecracker and stray bullet incidents for the year 2014 compared to the previous years. (jrc/cba/PIA-8)
