THE Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) vowed to strengthen its investigation into incidents of gunfire during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, which resulted in one fatality and one injury in the region.
Latest data from the police, released on Thursday, January 4, 2025, revealed that a 19-year-old student from New Visayas, Panabo City, died after being struck by a bullet during New Year’s Eve.
The victim was at home when the bullet hit his head. He was rushed to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) but succumbed to his injuries on January 2, as confirmed by his family.
In another incident, a 22-year-old man in Sulop, Davao del Sur, sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder while riding his motorcycle around 5:45 AM on January 1. Authorities suspect the bullet came from a .45 caliber pistol.
Police are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend suspects involved in these illegal discharges of firearms, which have long been prohibited.
Nationally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded nine additional cases of indiscriminate gunfire during the New Year celebrations, bringing the total to 27 incidents.
“If we compare the data on indiscriminate discharge of firearms and stray bullet cases last year, our cases of indiscriminate discharge of firearms are higher now,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said on January 1, 2025.
According to the PNP, cases of indiscriminate gunfire increased from 20 last year to 27 this year.
However, the number of injuries resulting from these incidents decreased, with only four reported this year compared to seven the previous year. DEF