THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday said it would provide full assistance to the overseas Filipino worker whose four-year-old daughter was killed in a vehicular accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over the weekend.
In a statement, the DMW said Danmark Masongsong, the Europe-bound OFW, and his family — including his injured wife and mother — would receive support through the department and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“The Department also stands ready to assist the OFW in terms of explaining his absence from work to his current overseas employer,” it added.
The incident happened on Sunday, May 5, just minutes after Masongsong said goodbye to his only child at the NAIA Terminal 1 departure area. According to relatives, the short vacation was supposed to be the longest time he had ever spent with his daughter since leaving to work abroad.
Security footage and eyewitness accounts showed a black SUV driven by 47-year-old Leo Sinlao Gonzales suddenly accelerating and plowing into the area. Gonzales later claimed he mistakenly stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes after being startled by another vehicle.
The girl died on the spot, while her mother, grandmother, and cousin sustained injuries. The child’s mother, Cynthia, remains in critical condition after being transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Masongsong’s cries — “Anak ko ’yan!” — were captured in a widely circulated video that has since drawn an outpouring of sympathy online.
Authorities have filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple injuries against the driver.
The DMW has yet to announce whether the OFW will continue with his overseas employment following the tragedy.