Tragedy in Pasig: Minor fatally run over by father at demolition site

A 15-year-old boy was fatally struck by a dump truck driven by his father inside the demolition site of the old Pasig City Hall building on Thursday, 23 May.

The victim was declared dead at the scene by Dr. Bernard John San Marcos of the Pasig Emergency Unit at around 2:10 PM According to an initial police report, the accident occurred at approximately 1:45 PM when the boy's father was driving a black dump truck and felt a bump near the rear tires.

Upon checking, he discovered his son underneath the vehicle, already bloodied. The boy had reportedly been sleeping beneath the truck, concealed by a canvas, and was not noticed when the vehicle moved.

The father immediately sought help from co-workers, who called local authorities. Responding officers from the Pasig City Police Station, PCpl Danga and Pat Sasotana, arrived at the site alongside emergency responders.

Richard Balangui was arrested and informed of the nature of the offense, including his constitutional rights. He is currently under investigation by the police.

Authorities are now looking into how a minor ended up working inside an active demolition zone. The victim, a Grade 5 student and resident of Barangay Pinagbuhatan, was allegedly involved in hauling work alongside his father. Investigators are determining possible violations of child labor laws, occupational safety regulations, and potential criminal negligence by the site contractor.

The city government of Pasig said it had deployed emergency personnel and expressed condolences to the victim's family.

In a statement sent to DAILY TRIBUNE, the city said, "The Philippine National Police – Pasig City Police Station, in close coordination with the Pasig City Hall Construction Consortium (PCHCC), is currently conducting an investigation on the incident."

A full review of safety measures on the site has been ordered.

"A mandatory review of the existing safety measures will be required from the PCHCC to ensure that an incident like this will not happen again," the city government said.

"Rest assured that this is taken seriously and that safety within the construction site remains of utmost priority," it added.