By Dhel Nazario
Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay expressed grief and shock on the traffic accident that killed a 14-year-old student in the city on Wednesday night.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay (My Makati / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Seven others, who were schoolmates of the lone fatality identified as Jules Villapando, were injured when a jeepney plowed into them while crossing the pedestrian lane in Barangay Poblacion.
"My heart goes out to their parents, especially to the parents of Jules Villapando, whose young life was abruptly cut short by the senseless tragedy. I offer my heartfelt condolences to them," Binay said in a statement.
The driver of the jeep, Crisalde Tamparong, 31, is now under the custody of the Makati City Police. Mayor Binay asked the police to immediately subject Tamparong to a drug test.
She has also ordered the police to identify the operator of the jeepney and recommend the immediate suspension of its franchise by the LTFRB.
According to the report, the students were crossing the said lane at around 7:20 in the evening along J.P. Rizal Street when Tamparong's jeep came and suddenly bumped the victims.
The suspect claimed that the jeepney lost its brakes. However, closed circuit television footage from the area of the incident showed that the jeepney had slowed down before accelerating and hitting the students, and then stopped abruptly.
"Since last night, our quick response teams have been posted at the Ospital ng Makati and Makati Medical Center where the victims were brought for treatment, to extend all possible assistance and closely monitor their condition," Binay said in a statement.
The mayor appealed to the citizens of Makati to pray for the victims' full physical and psychological recovery. She assured the victims and their families that the city government will see to it that justice will be served.