Child blinded in savage attack deluged with gifts

Manila: The three-year old girl who lost her left eye after being attacked by a deranged man has received a lifetime scholarship and several gifts from local government officials and rich neighbours.

Mayor Freddie Tinga of suburban Taguig granted pre-school, elementary and high school scholarship in private schools for Kryzz Anne Diaz (3) after a mentally disturbed man blinded her in one eye in a village in Taguig last Monday.

"She is supposed to attend pre-school starting this year. I am now looking for funding for her scholarship in college," said Tinga.

The local office of the social welfare department vowed to finance post-trauma counselling sessions for Kryzz and her family.

The department and local government officials also promised to pay hospital expenses of the family.

Authorities sought out Diaz on Wednesday after a large number of people sought to extend financial assistance to her and her family.

The tragedy occurred when Kryzz, her sister Karylle Anne and two other friends had gone to a provision store in Taguig's Signal Village.

Rolly Semira (24), her assailant, said on television: "I saw demons and frogs, that's why I attacked her."

Witnesses said Semira pinned down the girl and used his bare fingers to gouge out her left eye. He then tried to prise out her right eye but her father and local people beat him up.

"I thought Kryzz had died because she lost consciousness," Anthony, the girl's father, said on television. He rushed to Kryzz's aid after Karylle ran home to tell him about the attack.