DMW vows full gov’t support for kin of child killed in NAIA mishap

FULL SUPPORT. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac visits on Monday night (May 5, 2025) the wake of Malia Masongsong, the four-year-old daughter of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Danmark Masongsong, who was killed in a tragic accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday (May 4, 2025). During the visit, Cacdac pledged full government support for the family. (Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)

MANILA – Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac pledged full government support to the bereaved family of the four-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was killed in a vehicular crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on May 4.

In a television interview on Tuesday, Cacdac said he personally offered condolences to OFW Danmark Soriano Masongsong for the death of his child Malia, and extended initial aid.

“I was there at the wake last night and we had a good conversation as well in terms of the assistance that we could provide further. The president had given instructions to provide full assistance to Danmark and the family,” Cacdac said.

“Our hearts continue to break with the passing of their four-year-old daughter, and we have been providing the necessary support since last Sunday”.

Masongsong works as an assembly line operator in the Czech Republic and was scheduled to depart on Sunday to resume his work abroad, after a three-week vacation with his family in the country, when the tragedy occurred.

Cacdac said it was about three years ago when Masongsong last saw his daughter.

He said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) already provided psychosocial assistance to Masongsong and his family, as well as a spiritual counseling through a Catholic priest and a Christian pastor.

“And of course, the spiritual counseling continues. As I said, social workers are also on hand. We have surrounded him with those who are equipped to provide any form of advice along the way,” Cacdac said.

In a media interview at the wake, Masongsong shared his love for his daughter as he cried for justice for her early death.

“Napakahirap po sa akin, napakasakalap po sa pamilya namin ang nangyari. Anak ko po yon, mahal na mahal ko po yung anak ko. Hindi ko po kaya (It’s very difficult for me, it’s very difficult for our family. That’s my daughter, and I love her very much. It’s unbearable for me),” he said.

Masongsong shared that his wife, who is still in the hospital in critical condition, is still not aware of the death of their child.

Cacdac said Masongsong’s wife remains in the intensive care unit but is now in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the OFW’s mother, who was also injured in the incident, is conscious but unable to walk due to leg injuries, while a seven-year-old niece has been released from the hospital but remains under observation for head injuries.

“We have around-the-clock DMW teams, nurses, and social workers on hand to monitor their situation,” Cacdac said.

In addition to government support, he said New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. president Ramon Ang has shouldered hospital and funeral costs and is providing further financial assistance.

Meanwhile, he said the DMW’s Migrant Workers Office has already talked with Masongsong’s employer.

“So we are in close contact with the employer, and we were told, our labor attaché was told, that they themselves will contact OFW Denmark, and convey their condolences, their commiseration, and of course, outline his plans for possible return,” Cacdac shared.

However, he said Masongsong still has no definite timeline for his return abroad.

“I said, yes, you should be able to take your time, spend some time, especially with the wife still recovering.

Cacdac, meanwhile, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeking justice as the DMW closely monitors the investigation of the incident.

“So we are also monitoring the case, the current police investigation, and possible cases to be filed in court that are currently unfolding,” he said.