Filipino community seeks justice for hit-and-run victim

Battistini Metro Station, the train station Filipina worker Corazon Abordo was crossing to when she got hit-and-run. (Wikipedia photo)

The Filipino community in Rome, Italy called for justice for Filipina worker Corazon Abordo who died from a hit-and-run accident last month.

“Ang hustisya na gusto natin ay magkaroon ng katarungan, kapayapaan ang pamilya at maparusahan ang mga katulad ng mga ito. Makulong, mahuli at maparusahan,” said Abordo’s relative, Liza Magsino, during their prayer rally.

(What we want is the attainment of justice and peace for [Corazon’s] family and imprisonment and punishment for the [suspect].)

The fatal incident happened last May 27 when Abordo was on her way home. She was crossing towards the Battistini Metro Station when a speeding vehicle driven by a minor approached her. She was then hit and immediately died on the spot.  Two other Filipinos were also crossing the same lane and sustained injuries.

“Iyong injured ay Ms. Teotima Iguia at Ms. Lourdes Dellupac. Sa last na update na ating nakuha ay si Teotima at Lourdes Dellupac ay nagre-recover na. Injured sila pero nagre-recover sila paunti-unti,” Philippine embassy Vice Consul Marge Malang said.

(Those injured are Ms. Teotima Iguia and Ms. Lourdes Dellupac. Based from the last update we obtained, Teotima and Lourdes Dellupac are now recovering. They were injured but are now slowly recovering.)

During the rally, Abordo’s supporters held placards with words “Guistizia” and “Justice for Cory.” They also prayed for Abordo and her family. The rally was held in Piazza Del Campidoglio in Rome.

“Mahirap ipaliwanag dahil napakasakit iyong mahal mo sa buhay na hindi mo na makakausap,” said Abordo’s brother, Lito Abordo.

(It’s difficult to explain because it hurts so much knowing that you can no longer talk to your loved one.)

To prevent such accident from recurring, The Filipino community also urged the government to work on safer roads.

“Hiningi natin sa Mayor, sa gobyernong local na magkaroon ng maayos na syudad na maraming security measures, maliwanag na kalsada, mabilis na daloy ng sasakyang pampubliko,” said Romulo Salvador.

(We are asking the Mayor (of Rome) in the local government to have an orderly society that has a lot of security measures, well-lit streets, fast flow of public transportation.)

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy is asking the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs assistance in the shipment processes of Abordo’s remains, and also to provide support and comfort to Abordo’s family.