2 dead, 4 hurt as SUV crashes into NAIA terminal walkway

National

A SPORTS utility vehicle (SUV) plowed into the walkway at the departure entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Saturday, May 4, killing two people and injuring four others.

According to a report by NAIA Police Station 1, the victims were standing near the entrance when the vehicle, a black Ford Everest, suddenly accelerated from a parking slot and smashed through the terminal’s glass wall.

Among those killed were Dearick Keo Faustino, 28, and Malia Masongsong, 5, who had just been bidding farewell to her father, Mark Masongsong, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) bound for Europe.

Moments after the tragedy struck, Mark was hysterical as police and airport personnel tried to calm him down, a report by Inquirer said.

“Anak ko ’yan! Anak ko ’yan!” Mark cried repeatedly.

Among the injured were Mark's mother, Editha Soriano, 55; a 4-year-old child; and Jovita Escarlos, who sustained minor injuries and declined hospital transport. The girl’s mother, Cynthia Masongsong, 34, was in critical condition.

The SUV driver, identified as 47-year-old Leo Gonzales, was taken into police custody. He told authorities that he panicked and accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake after a sedan allegedly crossed his path.

However, CCTV footage contradicts his account, showing sedans parked beside his vehicle and no immediate obstruction.

Gonzales' driver’s license has been suspended for 90 days. Under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, he has also undergone drug and alcohol testing, with results expected on May 5.

Authorities are still investigating the incident. Despite no signs of premeditated harm, Gonzales may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries, and property damage.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured support for OFW Mark Masongsong, including help explaining his missed flight and emergency to his overseas employer.

Ramon Ang, president of New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), has pledged financial assistance to the bereaved families and committed to covering medical expenses for the injured.

“This is a very tragic incident. Our priority now is to make sure the victims and their families receive the support and care they need,” Ang said.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon urged the public to show respect to the victims, especially as videos of the crash circulate online.

"We just would like to ask everyone to please respect the victims," he said. "We’ve seen many social media posts circulating now. Please refrain from sharing footage of the tragedy."

The incident, just days after a deadly bus crash in SCTEX that killed 10 and injured 37, has reignited calls for road safety reforms.(John Ryan Ledesma, CTU-TC Intern)