Philippine media reported Friday that a Taiwanese tourist was injured by a stray bullet during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Philippines.
According to the Philippine Star newspaper, the man, identified as Lin Piao, was hit in his right hand in Pateros near Manila. He was taken to a hospital for emergency treatment.
The paper cited Philippine police as saying that they had recovered the slug and were trying to identify the gun used.
The Filipino people like to ring in the New Year by creating noise, setting off firecrackers and playing toy trumpets. They believe the noise can expel evil spirits. However, some have replaced firecrackers with guns, leading to the injury of innocent bystanders.
Statistics from the Philippine police and health authorities show that at least 15 people were hit by stray bullets during New Year’s celebrations this year. One of the victims died while another was critically injured.