ORMOC CITY– A tragic accident claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl who was struck by a falling coconut tree while on her way to buy fish on Monday afternoon, October 27, in Sitio Manipis, Barangay Bagaba-o, Leyte, Leyte.
Police identified the victim as alias “Majeng,” 8, a Grade 3 pupil and a resident of Sitio Manipis, Barangay Bagaba-o.
The incident involved two men identified as alias “Pino,” 42, married, chief tanod, and alias “Pabs,” 38, married, farmer, both residents of Barangay Mataloto, Leyte.
According to a report from the Leyte Municipal Police Station submitted to the regional police office, authorities received a phone call around 1:30 p.m. from Cpl. Kael, a Police sa Barangay (PSB) assigned in Barangay Mataloto, reporting that a child had been accidentally hit by a coconut tree being cut down in the area.
Responding police officers immediately proceeded to the scene, where they found the girl lying on the ground. She was rushed by family members, aboard a police vehicle, to the Leyte Rural Health Unit, but was pronounced dead on arrival at 3:45 p.m. by attending physician Dr. Avery Carol B. Bartolome.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim was passing by when the coconut tree, being cut by the suspects, suddenly fell and hit her. The suspects and the victim’s family immediately tried to lift the tree and rescue the child, but she succumbed to her injuries before receiving medical treatment.
Both suspects voluntarily surrendered to PSB personnel in Barangay Mataloto following the incident. The chainsaw used in cutting the tree and the suspects themselves were brought to the Leyte Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
(ROBERT DEJON)
