BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) recorded stray bullet incidents in Western Visayas during the New Year celebration, all occurring in Iloilo province and this city. No injuries were reported, but investigations are ongoing.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, PRO-6 spokesperson, confirmed the incidents and stated that the Regional Forensic Unit 6 is analyzing the recovered bullets to trace their origins.
The first incident took place in Barangay Tarug, Alimodian, Iloilo at around 1 a.m. on January 1.
Francisco Guardia, 68, was preparing to sleep when he heard a loud noise. Upon checking, he found a hole in his roof and a deformed .45 caliber bullet on the floor, according to the Alimodian municipal police station.
In another incident in Villa San Lorenzo, Loboc, Lapuz district here, a family celebrating outdoors discovered a hole in their ceiling.
The homeowner, identified only as “Longlong,” said his child noticed the damage in the bedroom ceiling upon returning inside.
Initially dismissed as rodent damage, the family later found a slug on the bed and reported it to authorities.
These incidents came despite PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky’s earlier directive enforcing a “one-strike policy” on police station commanders.
Under this policy, commanders are required to address incidents of indiscriminate firing and stray bullets promptly or face immediate relief from their posts.
“Each station is responsible for ensuring public safety, especially during high-risk celebrations like New Year,” Wanky said.
Authorities reiterated their call for responsible firearm use and urged the public to report any instances of indiscriminate firing.
PRO-6 assured the public that efforts are underway to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable./PN
