Young Girl Hit by SUV at NAIA Terminal 1 Laid to Rest: A Nation Mourns, Family Seeks Justice

A Day of Grief: Malia Masongsong Laid to Rest

In a heart-wrenching funeral ceremony held this week, the Masongsong family bid farewell to 4-year-old Malia Kates Masongsong, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a speeding SUV outside Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The child’s funeral, attended by grieving family, neighbors, and concerned citizens, was marked by cries for justice, sorrow, and calls for accountability.

The atmosphere at the funeral was somber, with Malia’s father, OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) Danmark Masongsong, visibly broken as he clutched the small white coffin of his only daughter. “She was full of dreams. I only wanted to provide her a good life. Now she’s gone,” he said through tears. Malia’s mother, who flew in from overseas upon hearing the devastating news, collapsed in grief during the burial rites.

The Tragic Incident at NAIA Terminal 1

The incident occurred on May 5, 2025, outside the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 1, when an SUV allegedly lost control and crashed into a group of pedestrians. Malia, who was waiting with her family to pick up a relative, was among those hit. She sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where she was declared dead a few hours later.

According to initial police reports, the SUV driver may have been speeding and failed to brake in time due to mechanical failure. However, witnesses on the scene claimed that the vehicle was being driven recklessly and should not have been that close to the pedestrian zone. The driver has since been taken into custody, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

News of Malia’s death has sparked outrage on social media and in local communities. Hashtags like #JusticeForMalia and #SafeStreetsNow have trended online, as Filipinos express frustration over continued lapses in traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety around the airport and other public spaces.

The Masongsong family has called on authorities to ensure a full and fair investigation, emphasizing that Malia’s life cannot be lost in vain.

“We don’t want revenge. We want justice. We want accountability,” said Malia’s uncle during a post-funeral press statement. “This could happen to any child, to any family. Someone must be held responsible.”

Civic groups and transport safety advocates have joined the call for the Department of Transportation and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to review safety protocols at NAIA. Many are pushing for stronger enforcement of no-drive zones and improved pedestrian infrastructure, such as barriers and speed bumps, near terminal entrances.

A Life Cut Too Short

Malia, described by her teachers and family as a bright, playful, and kind-hearted child, had just started preschool. She loved drawing, singing, and playing with her cousins. Her family had been planning a summer vacation before she was taken from them in an instant.

Her parents had worked hard overseas to give her and her siblings a better future. “She used to wave at the airplanes. She dreamed of being a flight attendant. Now, we had to watch her fly away too soon,” her mother shared.

As Malia was laid to rest, her small white casket was covered with her favorite pink blanket and stuffed toy. Her relatives and community lit candles and offered prayers in her memory, vowing to keep her spirit alive by pushing for change.

Moving Forward: A Call to Protect Every Child

This tragic loss has reignited national conversations on road safety, public accountability, and the need for government institutions to better protect its citizens—especially children. Several lawmakers have expressed intentions to file bills mandating stricter road regulations near airports and other public hubs.

The Masongsong family, though devastated, hopes that Malia’s story will prevent future tragedies. “We will carry her memory with us always,” said her father. “If her death can save another child’s life, then maybe there’s still purpose in this pain.”

Conclusion

As the nation mourns with the Masongsong family, the call for justice grows louder. Malia’s death is not just a personal tragedy—it is a reflection of systemic failures that must be urgently addressed. Her innocent life, taken too soon, now becomes a symbol of the need for safer streets, more responsible driving, and a more compassionate society.