Eastern Police District cops pass hat for pregnant hit-and-run victim

MANILA, Philippines - Police officers from the Eastern Police District (EPD) took up a collection for the family of a pregnant woman who figured in a hit-and-run in Pasig City on July 31.

The family of Marinel Ravina received the donation of the EPD rank and file from Senior Superintendent Ariel Arcinas, EPD directorial staff chief, during simple rites at the EPD headquarters.

“The amount may be not that big, but we are committing ourselves in helping Marinel in our own little ways,” Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, EPD director, said yesterday.

Ravina’s unborn child died when a speeding vehicle hit her and three other call center employees along Doña Julia Vargas Avenue.

Also killed in the incident was Jake Santillas, who was dragged some 300 meters away by the speeding vehicle.

Ravina was rushed to the Medical City, where she was reported to be recovering from her injuries.

A witness texted Sapitula the plate number of the Subaru sport utility vehicle, which led to its recovery and the filing of appropriate charges against the driver, Baldwin Cham Velasco.

According to Sapitula, they decided to pass the hat around after learning from Ravina’s family and social media that she is in need of financial support while confined at the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Assistant City Prosecutor Ernesto Sulat Jr. is assisting the Ravina family in prosecuting Velasco.-