Tragedy at NAIA: 5-Year-Old Girl Dies in Car Crash After Bidding Farewell to Father

MANILA – What was supposed to be a routine send-off turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy on Sunday morning after a car crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 claimed the life of a five-year-old girl and left four others injured.

The young victim had just tearfully said goodbye to her father, Mark Masongsong, who was departing for work abroad. Moments later, as she and her family waited for a ride home to Lipa City, Batangas, an SUV barreled into them at the departure area.

Shocked and devastated, Masongsong rushed back out of the airport only to be met with the lifeless body of his daughter. Overcome with grief, he cried out, “Anak ko ’yan! Anak ko ’yan!” as authorities attempted to console him.

According to a relative, Randy Balog, the little girl had only recently begun spending meaningful time with her father. Masongsong had just completed a three-week vacation — the longest he had ever spent with his child. “It’s painful because she only just started to really know her father,” Balog said.

The accident also left the child’s mother, Cynthia, in critical condition. She was initially brought to San Juan de Dios Hospital and later transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center for further treatment. The crash additionally injured Masongsong’s mother, 61-year-old Editha, and his seven-year-old niece.

Police identified the SUV driver as Leo Gonzales from Barangay Tayuman, Lobo, Batangas. He had just dropped off a passenger at the airport prior to the crash. “He still has a life to answer for. He caused immense pain to our family,” Balog stated.

In response to the incident, the Land Transportation Office has suspended Gonzales’ driver’s license pending a full investigation and drug testing.

Masongsong has since canceled his flight to stay with his injured wife and attend to his daughter’s funeral arrangements. He declined interviews, choosing to grieve privately.