NAIA Tragedy Exposes Shoddy Bollards; Contractor Under Scrutiny

NAIA Tragedy Exposes Shoddy Bollards; Contractor Under Scrutiny

By Bing Jabadan – Nationweek  

May 6, 2025  

MANILA, Philippines – The tragic death of a five-year-old girl at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday, May 4, 2025, has ignited outrage, not only over the reckless driving that caused the accident but also over the alleged substandard bollards that failed to prevent the event.

While a grieving father mourns the loss of his daughter and his wife fights for her life, questions are mounting about the company responsible for installing the safety barriers, raising serious concerns about accountability and public safety.

The incident occurred when a black Ford Everest SUV, with license plate DCB 3411, driven by Leo Gonzales, careened into the crowded departure area, killing the child and injuring four others, including her mother and grandmother.

But amid the shock and sorrow, attention has turned to the bollards intended to protect pedestrians – bollards that proved woefully inadequate.

Sources at the NAIA have identified the contractor responsible for the bollard installation as Kontrak Enterprises, the company that won and completed the project in 2019.

However, a search for the company yields scant results. While it purportedly once had a Facebook page, it is now defunct. Online searches also provide little verifiable information, raising suspicions about the legitimacy and qualifications of the firm entrusted with such a critical safety project. Further fueling concerns, the company appears to have ceased operations, making it difficult to locate or hold responsible persons accountable.

“These bollards were supposed to act as vehicle stoppers,” explained a source familiar with the project. “But because they were shallow and substandard, they utterly failed to serve their purpose. This tragedy might have been prevented if proper safety measures were in place,” he said.

The focus on the bollards comes as Mark Masongsong, the girl’s father, grapples with unimaginable grief. He had just spent three precious weeks with his daughter before preparing to leave for work abroad.

A video circulating online shows a tender moment between father and daughter, a heartbreaking farewell now forever etched in his memory.

“Anak ko ‘yan! Anak ko ‘yan!” he reportedly cried at the scene, a father’s desperate lament echoing amidst the chaos.

Randy Balog, a relative of the victims, expressed the family’s anguish. “The child was just beginning to truly bond with her father,” Balog said. “To have her life stolen like this… it’s a pain we can barely comprehend.” The family’s suffering is compounded by the critical condition of the girl’s mother, Cynthia, who is currently fighting for her life at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Mark’s 61-year-old mother, Editha, and his seven-year-old niece also sustained serious injuries in the crash.

As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, the spotlight remains on Kontrak Enterprises and the quality of its work. The question now is whether the substandard bollards contributed to the severity of the tragedy and whether those responsible will be held accountable for their alleged negligence.

The tragedy at NAIA Terminal 1 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in public infrastructure projects.

As Mark Masongsong mourns the loss of his daughter, the public demands answers and assurances that such a preventable tragedy will never happen again.

The investigation into Kontrak Enterprises and the substandard bollards is not just about assigning blame: it’s about ensuring the safety and security of all who pass through the nation’s airports.