DMW extends help to OFW whose daughter was killed in NAIA crash

 

Cacdac (in blue) consoles Malia's father Mark

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac extended sympathy as he visited the wake last night of the four-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker who was killed when a runaway SUV rammed a number of people at the departure area of Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on May 4.

Malia Kates G. Masongsong had just seen off her father, Danmark S. Masongsong, who was supposed to return to his work as an assemblyline operator in Prague, Czech Republic, when she was hit by the SUV, along with her mother, grandmother and cousin.

Her three companions survived, but the two older women are still being treated at St Luke’s Hospital in Taguig City.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Another man, 29-year-old Dearick Keo Faustino, who was about to leave on a business trip to Dubai, was also killed in the tragedy.

Secretary Cacdac relayed President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ message of sympathy and support to Masongsong, and assured him that they will be given all the necessary assistance that they need.

“Naririto po kami, inatasan ng Pangulo para ipaabot ang kaniyang pangangamusta at panalangin at siguraduhing maibigay ang lahat ng inyong pangangailangan," Secretary Cacdac said. (We were sent here by the President to extend his care and prayer, and ensure that you get all the help that you need.

Aftermath of the May 4 tragedy

With help from the Philippine embassy in Prague, the DMW also explained to Mark’s foreign employers what had happened that prevented the OFW from returning to work.

Before attending Malia’s wake in Lipa, Batangas, Cacdac visited the girl’s mother, Cynthia, and grandmother Edith, in hospital, to also express sympathy.

Mark later told reporters he managed to finally tell his wife that their daughter was gone.

Basahin ang detalye!

He also spoke of how much he loved Malia, whom he managed to see again only after being away for more than two years. His daughter had asked him not to leave again for work, shortly before he went inside the departure terminal.

Mark appealed to authorities to hold the driver of the SUV responsible for the death of his daughter and injuries to other family members, and if possible, prevent him from posting bail.

Justice was also demanded by the family of Faustino, a senior supervisor at a printing company and was said to be his family's breadwinner. One relative also questioned a seeming delay in taking the victims to the hospital.

Friends who were with him at the airport said Faustino had left them briefly to get a luggage trolley when he was hit by the SUV.

He is now buried in his hometown of Hagonoy, Bulacan, where Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian paid respects and offered help to his family.