A 62-year-old man was killed by a suspected stray bullet during Christmas Eve celebrations at Barangay San Francisco in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, on 24 December 2025.

According to the Mabalacat City Police Station, the victim was sitting in front of his residence when he was struck. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Pampanga Police Provincial Office said a thorough investigation is underway, with Police Colonel Eugene Marcelo personally overseeing the case. Marcelo urged residents and witnesses of celebratory gunfire to coordinate with authorities.

Relatives of the victim have offered a cash reward for information that could help identify those responsible.

Indiscriminate firing refers to the willful and reckless discharge of a firearm without a specific target, often occurring during holiday celebrations. In the Philippines, this act is a serious offense under Republic Act No. 11926, which amended the Revised Penal Code to impose stricter penalties.

As of 26 December 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported several incidents of indiscriminate firing, which led to the arrest of seven individuals, including four PNP personnel, between 16 and 26 December 2025.

Another casualty was reported in Tondo, Manila, on Christmas Eve after being hit by a stray bullet.

The PNP is enforcing a “one-strike” policy: any personnel involved in indiscriminate firing face immediate administrative dismissal and criminal charges.

Authorities continue to urge citizens to report suspicious activity or illegal gunfire to the nearest police station or by contacting emergency services.