2 killed in New Year revelries; 6 hit by stray bullets in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - At least two revelers were killed in Metro Manila while several were injured, six of them by stray bullets, as Filipinos welcomed the New Year. Despite the incidents, Metro Manila police chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil said the New Year revelries were relatively peaceful. Bataoil cited sketchy initial reports indicating "only" 160 were injured, but said he would wait for authorities to collate the figures. Radio dzBB reported that one of the fatalities, initially identified as Renato Quetolonia, 19, succumbed to injuries in the face after a pla-pla fircracker he picked up exploded before midnight Wednesday. Bystanders rushed him to the Tondo General Hospital but doctors could not save him. The report said doctors suspected he was drunk when he picked up the powerful firecracker, which exploded in his face. In Navotas, dzBB's Manny Vargas reported that Pastor Arpon, 73, succumbed to an asthma attack due to the smoke from fireworks. He died before doctors at the Navotas lying-in clinic could treat him. At least six sustained injuries after being hit by stray bullets. These included: * Aaron James Lapus, hit in the arm while watching the revelry. He was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center. * Jimboy Gumapac, 14, hit while lighting luces, rushed to MCU Hospital. * Romeo Arnaiz, 38, had bullet lodged in his leg, rushed to MCU Hospital. * Maria Baylon of Bulacan, 9, hit by stray bullet from a cal-.45 pistol, rushed to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. * Eduardo Bustamante, rushed to Ospital ng Maynila after being shot in Luneta. * Rafael Lim, 16, rushed to Ospital ng Makati. In eastern Metro Manila, more than 20 were rushed for treatment, including Aliyah Ampe, 9, who was hit by a wayward kwitis in the right foot; and Ricardo Lim, 23, who was stabbed during a fight. At least 13 were rushed to the President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center in Caloocan City. Some 15 were rushed to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, including Alex Razon, 15, who was injured in the face by a firecracker. At least five were rushed to the Malabon Hospital, including Jasmine Garcia, 2, who was injured by a fountain; Denver Luces, 5, injured by a piccolo; and a 14-year-old who was injured by a pla-pla. In Manila, Petronila dela Cruz, 62, was rushed to the Gat Andres Bonfiacio Hospital after being injured by a whistle bomb. Likewise brought to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital was Raul Unat, 40, of Pandacan after being injured by an "atomic bomb." In Pasay City, 14 were taken to the Pasay City General Hospital, including a 6-year-old child who was injured in the stomach and hands after a playmate hurled a piccolo at the victim. In Makati CIty, 10 were treated, including a 14-year-old injured by a fountain. Meliton Tumato of West Rembo in Makati City had to have his index finger cut off after being injured by a whistle bomb. Meanwhile, in Central Luzon, dzBB correspondent Ronaldo Leander reported that 44 were wounded in New Year revelry-related incidents. These included 12 in Bulacan, nine in Nueva Ecija, three in Zambales, eight in Bataan, 11 in Tarlac, and one in Aurora province. - GMANews.TV