Driver in NAIA crash released on bail

MANILA, Philippines — The driver who crashed his sports utility vehicle (SUV) into the entrance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1's departure area earlier this month has been released on bail, a Manila International Airport Authority official confirmed on Friday, May 16.

Lawyer Manuel Jeffrey David, MIAA head executive assistant, said the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 109 has issued a court order allowing the 47-year-old driver to post bail of P100,000.

David said the driver will appear in court for the first arraignment on May 27, according to a PTV report. 

On the morning of May 4, the driver's black Ford Everest rammed through barriers at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 1, killing four-year-old Maliya Masongsong and 29-year-old Dearick Keo Faustino. Four others were injured in the incident.

Autopsy results later showed that the two fatalities died due to blunt force trauma.

The driver faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, multiple serious physical injuries and damage to property.

The Department of Transportation earlier said an initial review of the CCTV footage of the incident “indicates that there was no premeditated plan to inflict harm on NAIA passengers.”

Prior to his release, the driver had been in police custody since the crash. The Land Transportation Office had also preventively suspended his driver's license for 90 days pending investigation.

The driver's alcohol and drug tests yielded negative results, according to the Philippine National Police.

Ramon Ang, president of the New NAIA Infra Corporation, earlier said he would cover the medical expenses of the injured and provide financial assistance to the families of those who died. 

— Cristina Chi