Authorities in Negros Occidental are investigating the discovery of a stray bullet that pierced a home in La Castellana, prompting a renewed call for public vigilance against illegal gunfire.
Incident Details and Police Response
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at a residence along Gomez Street in Barangay Robles, La Castellana. A female resident, whose identity is withheld, first noticed a hole in her roof and a crack in a floor tile. Following a search, a deformed slug of unknown caliber was recovered approximately five meters away from the damaged tile.
Investigators from the La Castellana Municipal Police Station confirmed the evidence, noting a clear bullet entry point on the roofing and the broken floor tile. Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Public Information Office, stated that standard procedures were immediately activated.
Standard Operating Procedure for Firearm Evidence
Malong explained that in cases where a bullet is recovered without an identified shooter or injuries, the item is securely documented and preserved as physical evidence. The police followed established protocol, which included:
- Thorough scene documentation.
- Inquiries within the neighborhood.
- Intelligence validation to gather more context.
"These incidents are also cross-referenced with reports of firearm discharge, possible celebratory firing, and previous firearm-related incidents in the area," Malong added. This comprehensive approach aims to link isolated findings to broader patterns of gun use in the community.
Public Appeal for Community Safety
In light of this event, PRO-NIR is strongly urging the public to report any instances of gunfire or suspicious activity involving firearms directly to the nearest police station. The regional police office assured residents that all recovered firearm-related evidence is treated with utmost seriousness and handled diligently to uphold public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the origin of the stray bullet. PRO-NIR emphasizes that community cooperation is vital in preventing similar potentially dangerous incidents and in holding irresponsible gun owners accountable.
