A MOTORCYCLE driver, who accidentally hit two students in Panacan, Davao City Tuesday morning, September 13, surrendered to authorities.
Sasa Police Station Commander Police Major Jake Goles told members of the media on Tuesday afternoon that the accident happened in front of AFPLC Elementary School.
Goles said they received the report around 6:40 a.m.
The two female students, aged seven, and 10 years old were immediately brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for examination, and they only incurred minor injury.
The police official said the driver attended to the victims, contrary to online reports that it was a "hit and run."
"Sinubmit niya ang kanyang sarili sa PNP [Philippine National Police]. Dinala namin siya sa station, and willing din niya atubangon ang iyang nahimong pagbangga sa mga bata (He surrendered himself to the PNP. Immediately, we brought him to the police station, and he is willing to face possible charges for accidentally hitting the two kids)," Goles said.
The police said the driver was traveling along Davao-Agusan National Highway coming from the north heading towards the city proper occupying the inner lane.
Upon reaching the place of incident, particularly at the pedestrian lane, the motorcycle accidentally hit the two pedestrians.
"Nag-sudden break siya, then siguro pagpreno, di kinaya, kaya nadiretso niya at na-hit ang dalawa ka bata nga babae (He might have hit the brakes suddenly but it may have been too late hitting the two girls)," Goles said.
The driver, who originally hails from Caraga and is supposed to visit the city for a medical checkup, promised to shoulder all the hospital and other medical expenses.
This prompted the family not to file charges, Goles said.
Golles, meanwhile, said security personnel have been deployed in schools to monitor the security of students, especially that the face-to-face classes had recently resumed.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has recently ordered traffic officials to intensify apprehensions against motorists who do not respect the pedestrian lanes after some pedestrians were reportedly hit while crossing.
Duterte, in a radio interview on Friday, September 9, called on the attention of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to intensify their visibility on the roads as many Dabawenyos had been crossing the streets.
Ervin Yarra, Hearing Officer, LTO-Davao, meanwhile, assured that pedestrian lanes are being properly monitored.
"Everyday based sa atong ma-receive dire sa operations division, naa gihapon mga driver, motorsiklo man, four wheels sakyanan naay ma-apprehend kay dili kabalo mo yield, or mohatag og lugar pagmotabok atong mga pedestrian (Based on the reports we have received, there are still drivers who are being apprehended for not yielding or giving way to pedestrians),” Yarra said in an interview with the Davao City Disaster Radio on Monday, September 12, 2022.
Yarra said disregard for pedestrians is a violation of the Republic Act 4136.
“It is indicated in chapter four, article 3, klaro kaayo didto nga any driver of any vehicle upon a highway must yield on a pedestrian crossing in such crosswalks or pedestrian,” Yarra said.
Yarra also said even sidewalks should not be used by motorists to overtake or park their vehicles. (RGL)