HAGONOY, Bulacan—Police in this coastal town are now closing in on the possible suspects of indiscriminate firing that almost killed a tricycle driver on New Year’s eve.
Supt. Rizalino Andaya, this town’s police chief, said they already conducted a triangular method of investigation to determine the source of the stray bullet that grazed the back of the head of Mark Arvin Santos, 23.
Citing results of initial investigation, Andaya said that at least eight persons own a registered caliber .45 within the 500-meter radius of the victim’s house. They also conducted discreet investigation on loose firearms within the area. “We will invite gun owners to submit their fi rearms for ballistic examinations, we will file charges if there will be cross matching,” he said.
With regards to loose firearms, the police will also suspected gun owners, and if they refuse, the police will apply for search warrant. For his part, Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Joel Orduna said that refusal to submit guns for ballistic examination is tantamount to guilt. He also said that while the victim’s family might not file charges against possible suspects, the PNP will definitely file charges.
On New Year’s Eve, Santos was in front of his father’s house to welcome 2014 at Purok Wawa 3 in Barangay san Sebastian here. As 12 midnight neared, he hugged his wife and he felt something hit his head and blood began to drip on his shoulder.
Santos was immediately rushed to Emilio G. Perez Memorial District Hospital here and was told by attending physician that he might have been hit by falling stick from an exploded kwitis or skyrocket. However, his father came minutes later in the hospital and showed a slug he picked a meter from where his son was hit.
Police identified it as a slug from caliber .45. Follow up investigation showed that the bullet hit first galvanized iron roof before hitting Santos. Andaya said that Santos is very lucky because the bullet came through the roof, thus reducing its velocity. He said that if the bullet did not hit the roof, it could have been fatal for Santos.
