Police have filed criminal charges against the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that struck air travelers and well-wishers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 1 on Sunday morning.
The driver faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide, multiple injuries, and damage to property. The 47-year-old suspect identified as Leo Gonzales is currently detained at the Police Aviation Security Group’s Mobile Patrol Security Unit.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two people, including the five-year-old daughter of a departing overseas worker, while at least four others sustained injuries when the black Ford Everest collided with them in the departure area at around 8:05 a.m. on May 4, 2025.
The injured individuals were initially taken to San Juan De Dios Hospital, with two of them later transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Witnesses reported that the victims were with their families when the vehicle suddenly veered into the queue. According to police, the SUV driver lost control of the vehicle.
The Manila International Airport Authority has stated that it is conducting an investigation into the incident in close coordination with the police and the airport’s private operator, the New NAIA Infra Corp.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Ramon Ang, chairman of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), visited the scene to assist with the response. Ang is committed to providing immediate support to the injured individuals and financial assistance to the families of those who died in the incident.
“This is a very tragic incident. Our priority now is to ensure that the victims and their families receive the support and care they need,” Ang said.
Initial reports suggest that the SUV was parked near the terminal entrance when it suddenly accelerated, crashing through the outer railing and into the walkway.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed Secretary Dizon to ensure that justice is served for the victims of recent road crashes that resulted in fatalities, including those involving children. He emphasized the need to fix the broken system to make Filipinos feel safe on the country’s roads again.
In response, Dizon has ordered several measures, including mandatory drug tests for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers effective immediately, reducing driving hours for public utility bus (PUB) drivers from six to four hours, strict enforcement of road safety checks for all vehicles, and the immediate implementation of the speed limiter law.
He also called for the 90-day suspension of abusive motorists reported by concerned citizens.
The transport chief expressed support for the establishment of a Public Transport Safety Board.
“From the President himself, we must ensure that these families receive the justice they deserve. Lives are at stake. We need to make people feel safe on our roads again,” Dizon stated.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver’s license for 90 days pending investigation.
Editor’s Note: Correction has been made on the age of the suspect from 28 to 47 in paragraph two. His name was also added.