Palace mourns passing of girl hit by stray bullet

MALACANANG has joined the nation in mourning the death of a seven-year-old girl who died after being hit by a stray bullet at the top of her head during the New Year revelries.

Stephanie Nicole Ella died on Wednesday at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City after slipping into deep comatose due to the injury.

“Together with the Filipino people, we extend our deepest sympathies to Stephanie’s family. No one should experience the overwhelming heartbreak that her family is now enduring, especially during a season of celebration and hope,” said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Malacanang condemned Ella's death and hoped that the incident will not happen again in future New Year celebrations.

“This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how a reprehensible act from a thoughtless individual can rob our people, particularly our children, of their futures. For such a promising life to be lost in such a senseless way puts the burden on all of us to make certain that this tragedy is not repeated,” said Lacierda.

As a result, the Palace asked the public to "consider the welfare of our countrymen by engaging in celebrations in a responsible and safe manner." (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)