The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has extended its deepest sympathies to the victims of the tragic incident at NAIA Terminal 1 last Sunday and assured them that assistance will be provided.
The overseas Filipino worker (OFW), whose four-year-old daughter was killed in the crash, was scheduled to fly to Europe for work following a two-week stay in the country.
"The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) deeply mourns and grieves with a Europe-bound OFW, over the death of his four-year-old daughter due to that gruesome car-ramming incident at NAIA 1 yesterday morning," the DMW said in a statement.
In addition to the death of his daughter, the OFW’s wife remains hospitalized in critical condition, while his mother—who was also injured in the accident—is now in stable condition.
"The DMW and OWWA, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC), have commenced providing the necessary assistance and support to the bereaved OFW, his injured wife, and mother," the agency added.
The DMW also said it is prepared to assist the OFW in explaining his absence to his employer abroad.
"Finally and just as important, the Department joins the bereaved OFW and his family in their strong plea to have the perpetrator of this tragedy brought to justice," the statement concluded.
The OFW ultimately canceled his flight. From Pasay, he brought his daughter’s remains back home to Lipa, Batangas today.
Based on viral CCTV footage, the SUV sped straight into the entrance and exit area of the airport’s departure section, where it struck the OFW’s family members. Although a steel barrier had been installed in the area, it was dislodged during the crash.
The footage contradicts the driver’s initial statement, in which he claimed he was startled by a vehicle in front of him and accidentally stepped on the brake instead of the accelerator.
Following the incident, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon extended his condolences to the grieving families but clarified that the crash appeared to be unintentional.
"Initially, mukha namang hindi pumunta dito yung driver para managasa. Hindi intentional, dahil nga nakita natin mayroon siyang isang hinatid na pasahero dito.Hindi natin ngayon alam kung ano yung nangyari. Ayoko munang magsabi ng kahit ano na detalye kasi ongoing ang investigation ni PBGen. Abecia at ng PNP," said Dizon.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a 90-day preventive suspension of the SUV driver's license.
Meanwhile, Ramon Ang, President of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), has pledged to personally cover the medical expenses of the injured victims.
The other fatality in the incident—a 28-year-old man—has been brought home to his family in Hagonoy, Bulacan.
