Driver goes after man, kills 5-year-old, hurts 2 others

A five-year-old girl died while two other children are in critical condition after a taxi hit them in San Mateo, Rizal last Friday.

According to Cesar Apolinario's report on "24 Oras" on Monday, the fatality was identified as Ayessa Julia Mendoza. She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Those injured are Lourence Garcia, 8 and Lhara May Garcia, 11.

A CCTV camera footage showed that the taxi, driven by Joselito Albudin, 54, actually sped towards 65-year-old Felomino Bondoc who was seen sweeping the street in Barangay Guinang Bayan Dos.

Bondoc was able to avoid the taxi and hid behind a post, the report said.

After hitting some plants, the taxi stopped and Albudin, wearing no shirt, immediately went out of the vehicle.

It appeared that the taxi driver was looking for a fight while holding a piece of wood.

As some residents tried to calm him down, they heard the cries of the children who were hurt in the incident. The children were playing in the area when the incident happened.

Based on initial investigation, Albudin and Bondoc were involved in a conflict and that the latter was really the target of the taxi driver.

"Bago po sir 'yung insidente, nagkaron pa ng away 'yung matandang biktima saka 'yung suspek. Nagkaron pa sila ng pisikalan," said Police Officer 2 Johnee Pomeda.

Albudin did not deny the claims that he was involved in a fight with Bondoc. He even showed his bruises after the old man allegedly hit him.

"Biglang namalo sa akin. May dala-dalang tingga," Albudin said.

Bondoc's motorcycle, meanwhile, was also damaged due to the incident, the report said.

Albudin is facing charges because of the incident. —NB, GMA News