ILOILO — Pavia town in this province recorded its first case of stray bullet-related injury this holiday season, according to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
Police Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the IPPO, said the victim was identified as a 25-year-old woman alias “Ace.” She sustained injury in her left foot.
Investigation revealed that the incident happened at around 5 p.m. on December 25 inside a family compound in Barangay Pal-agon. At that time, Ace was outside their house eating with her cousins.
Liza, the victim’s mother, reported that she was inside the house when she heard approximately six rapid gunshots.
Initially thinking the sounds were merely celebratory firecrackers from the neighbors, Liza said she was soon confronted with the alarming news that her daughter was hit by a stray bullet.
Ace was rushed to the hospital after her family contacted the Pavia Emergency Responders (PAVERS) for assistance. She has undergone surgery to remove the bullet from her left foot.
Meanwhile, responding police officers arrested the 37-year-old suspect identified by the alias “Dayon.”
He reportedly confessed to firing the weapon that struck the victim and voluntarily surrendered a Black Widow mini revolver, which contained two rounds of ammunition.
Police Lieutenant Gary Tayongtong, deputy chief of the Pavia Municipal Police Station (MPS), stated that Dayon was drinking with friends and family when the gunfire incidents began.
Tayongtong said the suspect allegedly fired a gun in retaliation to gunshots from nearby acquaintances.
He added that prior to the incident, the suspect had been known to fire his gun in their barangay, but this marked the first occasion where someone was injured as a result.
The suspect was detained at the Pavia MPS, facing charges for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury and violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act)./PN
