Priest hit by stray bullet in Baguio City
BAGUIO CITY — Authorities are hunting for the person responsible for firing a gun during New Year celebrations, which resulted in a Catholic priest being struck at Purok 7, Barangay Irisan, this city.
The victim, a 60-year-old Catholic priest residing at the Holy Family Parish in Barangay Bakakeng Norte, sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
Police said the priest had gone to Purok 7 to lead a Holy Mass in anticipation of the New Year. Following the mass, he joined the community in observing a fireworks display.
While watching, he suddenly felt an itch on his left shoulder. Upon scratching it, he discovered that he was bleeding.
Police suspect that the bullet originated from a caliber 9mm firearm. The projectile is in the possession of the forensic group at the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) for firearms identification and ballistic examination.
On Monday, the Department of Health (DoH) recorded five injuries caused by stray bullets in its report on injuries related to the celebration of New Year from 6 a.m. of Dec. 31, 2023 to 5:59 a.m. of Jan. 1, 2024.
Local government units have taken steps to lessen fireworks-related injuries, including holding centralized fireworks displays and implementing tighter restrictions on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The capital Manila, for one, issued an executive order on Dec. 28 requiring organizers of any fireworks displays in the city to secure special permits from the Bureau of Permits, which must be filed at least three days before the event. — Artemio A. Dumlao with a report from Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza
