MANILA, Philippines — On May 4, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, where a black Ford Everest SUV, driven by 47-year-old Leo Sinlao Gonzales, veered off the departure curbside, striking multiple pedestrians before crashing into the terminal building. The accident resulted in the deaths of two individuals: a 5-year-old girl, Malia Kates Yuchen Gayeta Masongsong, and a 29-year-old man, Dearick Keo Faustino. Four others sustained injuries, with two remaining in stable condition and two others discharged after treatment.
The Tragic Loss
Malia was accompanying her father, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), to the airport as he prepared to depart for Europe. Tragically, she lost her life in the accident. Her father, Danmark Masongsong, expressed his grief and anger, stating, “I cannot forgive the driver. What I want is justice for my daughter’s death.”
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Gonzales underwent mandatory drug and alcohol testing, both of which returned negative results. Authorities indicated that the crash appeared to be an accident, with Gonzales claiming that a passing sedan caused him to panic, leading him to mistakenly accelerate instead of braking.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended Gonzales’s driver’s license for 90 days and issued a show-cause order, requiring him to explain why he should not face further charges.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The incident sparked public outrage, with many questioning the adequacy of safety measures at NAIA. In 2019, the Manila International Airport Authority installed steel bollards worth ₱8 million to prevent such accidents. However, these barriers reportedly gave way during the crash, raising concerns about their effectiveness.
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III called for an urgent review of Republic Act 10916, the Speed Limiter Law, which mandates the installation of speed limiters in public utility vehicles. He argued that better enforcement of this law could have prevented the tragedy.
Aftermath and Support for Victims
In the wake of the accident, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) committed to providing assistance to the victims’ families. NNIC President Ramon S. Ang announced that all medical expenses would be covered and pledged support for the affected families.
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