Boy, 10, dies in road crash

CEBU, Philippines — A 10-year-old boy died while his 8-year-old companion was injured after the bicycle they were riding was hit by a white SUV along the provincial road in Barangay Candugay, Barili, Cebu, at noon on Tuesday, September 8.

The boy was a Grade 4 pupil of Candugay Elementary School and a resident of the barangay. He was riding the bicycle with a Grade 3 pupil from the same school.

The younger boy was riding as a passenger when the incident occurred.

An initial investigation by the Barili Municipal Police Station showed that the SUV was traveling from Barangay Candugay toward the town proper when its driver allegedly attempted to overtake a motorcycle traveling at high speed.

The maneuver reportedly caused the SUV to cross into the opposite lane, where it struck the bicycle being ridden by the two children, with the 10-year-old boy at the wheel.

The impact left both children injured, and they were immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.

The 10-year-old boy, however, was declared dead on arrival. His 8-year-old companion was admitted to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The white SUV was registered to the Municipality of Barili and was being driven by a 37-year-old man from Barangay Boloc-Boloc.

Following the incident, the driver was taken into custody at the Barili Police Station while police prepared to file charges against him.

He is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, serious physical injuries, and damage to property.

Barili Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV, on his Facebook page, confirmed that the municipal vehicle was being driven by a municipal driver who was on official duty when the accident occurred.

According to Garcia, the driver had been tasked to deliver a letter to a barangay and was on his way back to the municipal hall when the incident happened.

Garcia said the circumstances of the accident will have to be determined by the proper authorities through an investigation.

The mayor said he personally visited the 10-year-old’s family and extended assistance following the tragedy.

He also immediately facilitated the transfer and confinement of the 8-year-old to a private hospital in Cebu City for further medical treatment.

“Atong buhaton ang tanan nga mahimo nato aron matabangan ang duha ka pamilya,” Garcia said.

Garcia also reminded all municipal drivers to exercise the highest level of caution and responsibility while on the road.

“Bisan pa og official duty, kinahanglan pirming mag-amping ug unahon ang kaluwasan sa atong mga katawhan,” he said.

The mayor assured both families that the Municipality of Barili would continue to provide necessary assistance and support as the investigation into the accident proceeds. — /MRM (FREEMAN)