'Ipaglalaban ko 'yung anak ko': Mother of four-year-old victim in NAIA crash not open to settlement with driver
The mother of the four-year-old who was killed after an SUV driver crashed into the NAIA Terminal 1 entrance isn't open to entering a settlement with him.
"Nasasaktan lang ako na makita siya," Cynthia Masongsong told media outlets including ABS-CBN News and News5 after the driver's arraignment at Pasay Regional Trial Court on Tuesday, May 27. "Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, andito pa sana 'yung anak ko. 'Di sana ako ganito, buo sana 'yung pamilya namin. Mahal na mahal ko 'yung anak ko."
The driver is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property. He pleaded not guilty in court and remains free on bail.
"Sa isang iglap, biglang ganun? Tapos ganun lang ang mangyayari?" Masongsong said of the driver's status. "Hindi ko matatanggap."
"Lalaban kami hanggang dulo. Ipaglalaban ko 'yung anak ko," she added.
In the morning of May 4, a black SUV crashed through the outer railing of NAIA Terminal 1 and into the walkway near the passenger entrance. The incident resulted in two deaths and four injuries.
Masongsong and her husband Danmark attended the driver's arraignment. Ricky Faustino, the father of the other dead victim, overseas worker Keo Faustino, was also present.
Upon initial review of the closed-circuit television footage, the Department of Transportation said that there was "no premeditated plan to inflict harm" in the incident.
Last May 16, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court ordered the driver's release from prison after posting a P100,000 bail.
Last May 23, the Land Transportation Office said it's revoking the license of the driver. The LTO also asked him to pay a P2,000 fine for reckless driving, in accordance with the LTO's Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System Fines and Penalties.
