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KIDAPAWAN CITY (Dec. 31/Monday) – A seven-year old girl was killed when a speeding KIA-SUV car hit her while she was crossing the national highway in Matalam, North Cotabato at around 10 a.m., Saturday.
Authorities in Matalam town identified the victim as Quennie Rose Mendoza, a first grader at the Matalam Elementary School and a resident of Poblacion, Matalam.
The KIA driver identified as Arthur Anolao, employee of the Kabacan Water District in Kabacan, North Cotabato, also sustained injuries when his car plunged into a canal along the highway.
Anolao told the police he tried to avoid hitting the girl so he tried to maneuver his car. “But it was too late,” he stressed.
He then sought help of bystanders to bring the victim to the Babol General Hospital in Matalam town but the child was declared dead by attending physicians due to severe head injuries.
The suspect later surrendered to authorities for investigation. He said he is willing to shoulder the burial expenses for the girl. (Malu Cadelina-Manar/MindaNews)