OFW father mourns 4-year-old daughter killed in NAIA accident, demands justice

The wake of the 4-year-old who died in a car accident at the NAIA Terminal 1 Departure Area on May 4, 2025 in Lipa City, Batangas, on May 5, 2025. Francis Orcio, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The remains of a 4-year-old girl who died after being struck by a vehicle outside NAIA Terminal 1 last Sunday morning has been brought to Lipa City, Batangas.

According to her father, Danmark Masongsong, an overseas Filipino worker, he was about to leave for Czech Republic to work as a machine operator when the tragedy occurred.

Before his departure, he shared that his daughter had one heartfelt wish—for her father to fulfill his promise of bringing her to school once she started studying. The longing came from the years they spent apart, as Masongsong had left to work abroad when she was just 1 year and 8 months old.

Masongsong shared that it was his plan to work in the Czech Republic for only two years and then return to the Philippines for good to be with his family.

“Napakasaklap po pamilya namin iyong nangyari. Anak ko po iyon. Mahal na mahal ko po iyon. Hindi ko matanggap iyong nangyari,” he said tearfully.

Three other members of the family, including his wife, mother, and a niece, were also injured in the incident and are currently recovering at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City.

Masongsong revealed that his wife remains unaware that their daughter has passed away.

“Hindi pa po niya alam na wala na iyong anak namin. Nakakalungkot po. Talagang mahal na mahal ko po iyan. Kaya po ako nag-ibang bansa para sa kanilang dalawa. Tapos ganito iyong mangyayari,” he lamented.

He is now calling for justice and accountability. He appealed to authorities not to grant bail to the driver responsible for his daughter’s death.

“Sa atin pong gobyerno, sana mapanagutan ito. Sana po hindi siya makapagpiyansa,” he pleaded.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have expressed their condolences to the Masongsong family.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, the DMW and OWWA will provide full assistance to the OFW and his family, including support for the hospitalized relatives.

The DMW also committed to coordinate with Masongsong’s overseas employer regarding his absence due to the tragedy.