While trying to avoid dog: Father, daughter dead in accident

CEBU, Philippines – A father and his 12-year-old daughter died after the motorcycle the former was driving was hit by a delivery van while trying to avoid a dog yesterday along Barangay Cantuod, Balamban town.

Victims Danny Bolongaita, 46, and his daughter Mary Joy died in the hospital while Chinese national Conghai Zhu, 38, driver of the delivery wing van that hit the victims, was held in police custody.

The victims were reportedly heading home in Barangay Aliwanay at past 2 p.m. yesterday with Danny driving the motorcycle when a stray dog allegedly suddenly crossed the road.

So as not to hit the dog, Danny swerved the motorcycle into the opposite lane, not noticing a delivery van, which was heading towards Balamban proper, said Police Officer 3 George Realista of Balamban Police.

Zhu, a resident of Poblacion, Carcar City, allegedly saw the motorcycle heading towards the van and tried to avoid it, but was too late.

The motorcycle slammed into the van, causing severe injuries to both victims.

Zhu got off the van while paramedics and police officers later arrived.

The victims were rushed to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in the town but were declared dead a few minutes later.

The Chinese national was taken into the custody of the police. He might be released soon after the family reached a compromise, said Realista.

The foreigner reportedly promised the victims' family to shoulder the burial expenses and asked to spare him from any criminal liabilities, to which the family had initially accepted.

Zhu may still be held liable and will be charged for a criminal offense in relation to the victims' deaths should he fail to comply with what was agreed upon, said Realista. — Bryner L. Diaz/NSA (FREEMAN)