By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—A former overseas worker immediately reported to the police on January 1, 2020 that a stray bullet hit his home, while he and his family were all busy welcoming the new year.
In a spot report of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, P/Major Relly Layug, provincial public information officer of the Ilocos Norte police confirmed the damage to property caused by a stray bullet at the residence of Alvin Guerrero, 44 at Barangay 2, P. Gomez Street, this city.“While I entered the living room at 11:30 pm Tuesday [December 31, 2019], I noticed a hole at the eastern part of our sliding glass door and another hole at the west wall. So, I immediately informed the police,” said Mr. Guerrero in an interview adding, it was fortunate no one was at the living area that time.
After the Laoag police responded in Guerrero’s home, P/Lt. Col. Amador Quiocho, Laoag City police chief reported the stray shot allegedly came from the eastern part of their residence that hit their sliding door and subsequently hit the wall. A deformed slug of still unknown caliber was recovered.
“For now, we are still investigating the possible origin of the fired bullet,” Mr. Quiocho told reporters in an interview.
For three consecutive years since 2016, Ilocos Norte has zero incident of stray bullet. The last reported two victims were in 2015.
“Overall, this year’s celebration of New Year is considered peaceful,” the police said.