Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to suspend the franchise of the public utility jeep that figured in a road mishap late Wednesday, killing a 14-year-old student and seriously injuring seven other students.
The accident led to the death of Jules Villapando, a student of Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Barangay Poblacion.
Villapando and his schoolmates were walking on the pedestrian lane along JP Rizal Avenue on their way home when the jeepney, driven by Crizalde Tamparong, hit them around 7:25 p.m.
Police arrested Tamparong, who said his jeep lost its brakes but managed to pull over a few meters after the pedestrian lane, after the incident.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic accident last night in Barangay Poblacion that has claimed the life of a 14-year-old student of Pio del Pilar National High School and caused serious injuries to his seven other schoolmates as they were walking home,” said Binay.
“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,” she added.
Binay tapped Makati City police commander Rogelio Simon to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter.
“I have asked that he (the driver Tamparong) be immediately subjected to a drug test. I have also ordered the police to identify the operator of the jeepney and recommend the immediate suspension of its franchise by LTFRB,” the city chief executive said.
Binay said since Wednesday night, personnel of the city’s quick response teams have been manning 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.
“I appeal to all Makatizens to join me in praying for the victims that they may be healed fast and fully recover from their traumatic experience. Let us also pray for their families that the Lord give them hope and courage during this crisis,” she said.
Mayor Binay assured the victims and their families the city government “will see to it that justice will be served.”
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority records showed that most road accidents happen because of undisciplined motorists, drunk driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
A recent MMDA study also showed that the daily average number of road accidents in Metro Manila is 73, and most happen owing to human error.
