KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato — Two separate incidents involving stray bullets were reported on the first two days of 2026, reigniting public concern over celebratory gunfire during the New Year and prompting renewed calls for the strict enforcement of the gun ban, particularly during holidays.
On January 1, a family discovered what appeared to be a live round and bullet fragments inside their home at Purok Eslao, Barangay Perez, hours after welcoming the New Year. The discovery was made in the morning when the homeowner noticed unusual damage inside the house: a newly installed floor mat was torn, the roof had a suspicious puncture, and a metallic object was accidentally stepped on by her husband—later believed to be a portion of a bullet. The family immediately reported the incident to the police for blotter documentation.
The family said they were uncertain about the exact time the stray bullet entered their home, noting that they were not present during the New Year countdown. They had stayed late at a relative’s house for Buena Noche preparations and only returned home around 2:00 a.m. “Good thing walay lain nahitabo sa amua,” the homeowner said, admitting the incident caused severe anxiety and “many painful ‘what ifs’,” had they been inside the house earlier.
A similar incident was reported the following day, January 2, when a boarding house tenant identified as Roxette Aguda discovered a slug of a stray bullet inside her room at Nursery Phase 1, around 9:00 a.m. Aguda said she was shocked by the condition of her room and expressed relief that she was not present when the bullet landed. She had gone home to Matalam for the holidays and only returned that morning. “Sa kadugay ko diri, first time gyud ni nahitabo,” she said, adding that she planned to file a police blotter report after lunch.
While no injuries were reported in both cases, residents stressed that the incidents could have easily turned fatal. Netizens and community members used the cases to amplify calls for authorities to strictly implement the gun ban, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations, when celebratory gunfire remains a recurring but dangerous practice.
Police authorities have yet to release official findings but reminded the public that firing guns into the air is illegal and poses serious risks, as bullets eventually fall with lethal force. Investigations are ongoing to determine the sources of the stray bullets, as communities urge stronger enforcement and accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.