2 girls killed in vehicle mishaps

MANILA, Philippines - Two girls were killed in separate vehicular accidents that occurred hours apart in Caloocan and Pasay cities.

Lady May Balanday, 13, was crossing Gen. San Miguel street in Sangandaan, Caloocan City at around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday when she was sideswiped by a tractor head driven by Mauro Pacaldo, 67. Pacaldo said he did not see the girl crossing the street.

Balanday died on the way to the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center.

Pacaldo was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide before the Caloocan prosecutor’s office.

At around 9:30 a.m. yesterday, four-year-old Antonette Cadenas died when she was pinned to the cement wall of their house along Cabrera street in Pasay City by a jeepney being maneuvered by Larry Benedicto, 25.

Benedicto, who was arrested following the incident, said he did not know the girl was standing behind the jeep.

Police are preparing to file charges against Benedicto for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. – Jerry Botial, Rhodina Villanueva