By Jean Fernando
Ten persons were injured, three of them critically, when they were hit by an SUV in front of Baclaran Church on Wednesday night.
According to Major Jolly Soriano, of the Paranaque Police Community Precinct 1, the victims were four males and 6 females who were all brought at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
Soriano identified the victims as Leo Sabaleno, Sepronio Gandillo, Francis Blando, Bryan Qualis, Divine Grace Lumang, Analyn Rupersado, Marilyn Lucero, Cherry Bee Blando, Rosemarie Hapson and Elizabeth Lidangco.
The police community precinct commander said the three of the victims whom he could not yet identify were in critical condition.
The errant driver of the SUV was identified as Allan Respicia, a resident of Tondo, Manila. He is now under police custody.
Investigation showed the incident occurred at about 9:50 p.m. in front of Gate 2 Baclaran Church, Redemptorist Road, Barangay Baclaran, Paranaque City.
According to Barangay Chairman Jun Sayde, a child reportedly crossed the street while Respicia was driving, and in trying to avoid hitting the child, the driver lost control of his black Fortuner with license plates RPM 55.
Sayde said Respicia hit several other vehicles and three vendors. The police will file charges of multiple physical injuries and damage to property against Respicia.