A CASE of Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide was filed against the driver of Davao Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. (Dasia) armored vehicle who accidentally hit and killed a two-year-old kid on the spot on Thursday afternoon.
However, the parents are mulling to withdraw the case.
Based on the spot report furnished by Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum on Friday, May 11, about 5:25 p.m. on May 10, a criminal case for Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide was filed at the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office thru inquest proceedings against the suspect identified as Gregorio Antonio Vito Jr.
Vito was involved in the vehicular accident which transpired at San Pedro Street, Barangay 3-A, Davao City around 11:00 a.m. on the same day.
In an interview, he said that he did not notice the boy, identified as Loviege Pangantihon, crossing the pedestrian lane as he thought that he and her mother have finally made it to the other side of the road.
A video of the incident has already gone viral online. It showed that the vehicle was moving slowly while waiting for the mother and the kid to finally cross.
The mother was holding her son but the child suddenly freed from his mother's hand and backtracked. It was too late when the mother noticed his son who was already rammed by the vehicle.
Due to the limited view of the armored car, the driver did not saw the boy and continued with his driving. He was apologetic about the incident and asked for the parents' forgiveness.
In an interview with San Pedro Police Station commander Police Chief Inspector Ramil Macarampat, he said that as of Friday, the parents of the victim went to the Hall of Justice. He could only speculate that they were there to follow up on the requirements to withdraw the case filed against the driver.
"Parang sa tono sa istorya sa father kay mubalik daw sila sa Tuesday para makipag-istorya [In the tone of the father, it seems that they will be back on Tuesday to talk (with Dasia)]," he said.
The parents of the victim had already a negotiation with the company regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, Dasia released its official statement stressing that they will uphold the rule of law and support the ongoing investigation conducted by the police officer.
"While it appears as an untoward accident, the management will definitely respect whatever the decision of the bereaved family with prayers after giving due considerations by them," the statement read.
The company vowed to assist the family of the victim.
"Currently, the management is with utmost concern on how we can further express our support and condolences to the bereaved family aside from the needed related financial assistance. In this dark moment, we ask everyone to join us in prayers," the statement added.
At present, the driver is still under the custody of San Pedro Police Station.