PNP: Death in Bataan first blamed on stray bullet was really a shooting case

MANILA, Philippines — A case of a man supposedly killed by a stray bullet was initially reported in Mariveles, Bataan.

But as the investigation went on, Philippine National Police (PNP) discovered it was not a story about stray bullet.

The victim was actually shot dead by one of his drinking buddies during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

PNP held a deeper probe into the case after getting “inconsistent” statements from the unnamed victim’s four companions who reported the incident.

“Pina-paraffin test itong mga kasamahan,” PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing on Tuesday.

(The four companions underwent paraffin tests.)

“Kahapon, umamin na po yung suspect at sinasabi niya na aksidente lang niya nabaril ang biktima,” she revealed.

(Eventually, yesterday, the suspect admitted that he just accidentally shot the victim.)

A criminal complaint will be filed against the self-confessed shooter, along with the three others who helped him cover up the crime.

Fajardo said the shooting cuts the previous number of cases involving stray bullets from 14 to 13 nationwide.

Of the 13 incidents, 12 individuals sustained injuries.

One stray bullet was found by a male person when he woke up.

The slug had apparently pierced through his bed during the night.