Driver faces homicide charges, but police say attackers could face charges too
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police are tracking down members of an angry mob who assaulted a jeepney driver and overturned his vehicle after he fatally struck a nine-year-old girl at Cogon Market on Thursday, April 23.
The tragic incident occurred around 5 pm. Initial investigations reveal the child was selling eco-bags along the roadside when a passenger jeepney driven by Jovito Palma hit her. Witnesses alleged the situation escalated when the vehicle reversed, pinning the child underneath.
However, it was not immediately clear whether the minor was selling eco-bags with adult supervision or whether her parents were near the area where the incident happened.
Outraged bystanders immediately swarmed the scene. A video circulating on social media shows the crowd assaulting Palma and flipping the jeepney.
Palma, who claimed his brakes malfunctioned, was rescued from the mob and detained.
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Meanwhile, the victim was rushed to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.
Palma is currently held at the Maharlika Detention Cell, facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. However, local authorities are now turning their attention to the vigilante response.
In an interview with Magnum Radio on Friday, April 24, Traffic Enforcement Unit investigator Christian James Villalobos said that Palma has grounds to file counter-charges against his attackers.
“Naa siyay katungod nga mopasaka og sumbong sa mga tawo nga nagkulata sa iya ug nagguba sa jeep,” Villalobos said.
Villalobos noted that Palma underwent a medical examination before his detention to document injuries sustained from the crowd.
“Naa siyay mga bukol sa ulo, mga bun-og,” he added.
Police are currently reviewing footage of the incident to identify the individuals involved in the assault and the destruction of private property.
The Road and Traffic Administration, headed by Engr. Nonito Oclarit has no statement on the incident as of this posting.
