At the scene of the car crash at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 4, 2025.

Updated on May 6, 2025   The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has vowed to extend full assistance to the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) whose 4-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. According to the NAIA Police Station 1, the SUV driver who caused the fatal accident underwent inquest proceedings on Monday (May 5)and now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property. The young victim was identified as Malia Kates Masongsong of Batangas, Philippines. On Sunday (May 4), the young girl was at NAIA with her family to send off her father, an OFW who had just returned home after two years and five months abroad. The SUV plowed through the departure area, killing the child and another adult male, while injuring several others — including the OFW’s wife and mother. The DMW said:“We likewise fervently pray for the fast recovery of wife, who was also run over and is hospitalized in critical condition. We also ask for prayers of healing and safety to those affected by this very unfortunate incident, including the mother of the OFW who was also injured but is currently out of harm’s way.” Malia's father has been identified as Denmark Masongsong. Speaking to media, his sister, Donna, said that he remains in shock over the tragic loss of his daughter and the plight of his wife and mother. "He refuses to eat. He just cries and cries," Donna said, adding that her brother's wife was in critical condition at a hospital on Sunday but has since undergone surgery for injuries, including internal bleeding from a ruptured spleen. "Because of her condition, we haven't told her that her daughter has died," she said. On Tuesday (May 6), family members told media that the woman's condition has improved following surgery and that she has been told about her daughter's demise. Meanwhile, the DMW said it is committed to helping the woman's husband in addressing his absence from work to his overseas employer, as he was set to leave for Europe before the tragedy struck. Videos at the scene of the accident showed him flailing on the ground and being restrained by police officers after learning that his daughter was trapped under the crashed vehicle. In a media interview on Tuesday, he said that he was already inside the airport when he noticed the commotion outside and tried to call his wife and another family member but did not get a response. "I thought they were in the other side of the airport because that was where I last saw them. I didn't realize they were among those involved in the accident," he told reporters. The Land Transportation Office has suspended the driver's license for 90 days and issued a show cause order against both the driver and the vehicle's registered owner. A mandatory drug test and CCTV footage review are underway as part of a full investigation by the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Manila International Airport Authority and other law enforcement agencies. Calling for justice, the DMW said it stood with the grieving family: “The Department joins the bereaved OFW and his family in their strong plea to have the perpetrator of this tragedy brought to justice.” CAM/Expat Media ALSO READ: Filipino headed to Dubai among 2 killed in NAIA SUV crash
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