Father of Ateneo accident victim ‘devastated’ over son's death

MANILA, Philippines - The father of Julian Carlo Miguel "Amiel" Alcantara, the 10-year-old boy who was killed by a speeding van inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus, on Thursday said they are "devastated" by their son’s sudden death. "We are devastated. It's a difficult time. We will make the best out of the difficulty by moving on and we dedicated our moving on to our dear Amiel," said Mr. Pepe Alcantrara, father of victim Juan Carlo Miguel "Amiel" in an off-camera interview with GMA News reporter Josh Villanueva. The report was aired over "24 Oras." The report said Mr. Alcantara had already met with the suspect, Ma. Theresa Torres, but he refused to divulge the details of their conversation. Amiel, a fourth grade student in Ateneo, died Tuesday afternoon after the van driven by Torres hit him and his nanny inside the Ateneo campus. In her sworn affidavit, Torres blamed her vehicle’s faulty brake system for the accident. Police investigators however theorized that Torres might have mistakenly stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to lurch forward and hit the boy. The victim's nanny, Tata Suarez, was also hurt in the accident. Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injuries have already been filed against Torres. Alcantara’s remains now lie in the Chapel of the Holy Guardian Angels inside the Ateneo campus. Wake masses will be held at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday. The victim’s remains will be cremated at the Arlington Crematorium, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Before that, at 11 a.m., a Mass would be celebrated at the AGS Chapel. - GMANews.TV