A kindergarten pupil was killed after being hit by a stray bullet inside a classroom in the town of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The five-year-old student of Damabalas Elementary School died on the spot shortly after 8 a.m., according to a report from the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office based on information from the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station.
Police said the child suddenly collapsed while inside the classroom after being struck by a stray bullet from a caliber 7.62 mm firearm. The class adviser approached the pupil and noticed blood on the floor. The adviser then immediately contacted the child’s parents and authorities.
Initial investigation by police indicated that the incident happened while an armed encounter was taking place in Barangay Olandang in the town of Nabalawag in the Special Geographic Area. Authorities believe the stray bullet may have originated from the exchange of gunfire in that area.
The police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and confirm the source of the bullet.
The remains of the child were scheduled to be laid to rest later the same day in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
Out of respect for the family, authorities and the reporting outlet did not disclose the names of the child, the parents or the class adviser.
