Kin of nurse killed in C5 road accident seeks justice

CEBU, Philippines - The family of a nurse who was killed in a road accident in Pasig City last November 17 appealed for justice and the speedy resolution of her case.

An emotional Doctor Nuela Manzanida, mother of 23-year-old nurse Janine Ray, said family members have been consoling her about the passing of her daughter.

“Tatlo lang ang anak ko, bawasan pa ng isa. That's too much for us. Our eldest said she's (Janine) already, kumbaga, pag-asa ko. But I could not do anything because that's the will of God. But we are really seeking justice for her,” Manzanida said stressing that serving of justice is the only thing that could somehow ease their grief.

Janine, second in a brood of three, is one of the three nurses who died when a wayward SUV smashed into their Asian utility vehicle at the C-5 flyover in Pasig City.

Janine's remains were brought to Lambunao, Iloilo after the accident where she would be laid in wake until tomorrow, November 29.

Manzanida said she does not know how the family would celebrate Christmas with Janine's passing. She also lamented that Janine's birthday is also the birthday of Luis Asistio III, the driver of the Mitsubishi Montero that smashed into the victims' Toyota Innova.

Reports said charges have been filed against Asistio, reportedly the grandson of former Caloocan City Representative Luis "Baby" Asistio and a nephew of incumbent Caloocan Vice Mayor Macario Asistio.

Although some residents of Caloocan identified him as a member of the known political clan, Asistio's parents denied they were related and claimed they hailed from Marikina City. He is still confined in the hospital due to leg injuries.  — Jennifer P. Rendon (FREEMAN)