The Philippine National Police located and rescued a 21-year-old college student who had been reported missing from Taguig City, finding her safe in San Pablo City, Laguna, on October 30, 2026 — six days after her parents filed a missing-person report, according to the PNP Public Information Office.
The case drew widespread public attention after the student's parents appealed for help in a televised interview.
Six-Day Search Led by Taguig City Police
The search was spearheaded by the Taguig City Police Station after the student's parents reported her missing on October 25, 2026. According to the PNP-PIO, investigators used investigation, CCTV forward-tracking, social media monitoring, and close coordination with district operatives, other law enforcement agencies, and the student's family.
The rescue was carried out in coordination with the Laguna Police Provincial Office and the San Pablo City Police Station.
The student is a fourth-year student at a state university in Laguna and a resident of Barangay Pinagsama, Taguig City.
Student Discloses Emotional Distress in Follow-Up Interview
On October 31, 2026 — the day after her rescue — the student was interviewed by the Taguig City Police Station's Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD). She disclosed that she had been experiencing family-related difficulties and severe emotional distress, according to the PNP-PIO's account of the interview.
Referral to Social Welfare and Medical Care
Following the WCPD interview, the student was referred to the Taguig City Local Social Welfare and Development Office for welfare assistance. Her parents subsequently brought her to a private hospital for medical attention and psychological assessment, the PNP-PIO said.
The Taguig City Police Station said it will continue to assist the family.
PNP Chief Calls for Sustained Care Beyond the Search
PNP Chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said police responsibility does not end once a missing person is located.
"Every missing-person case deserves immediate attention, thorough investigation, and sustained efforts until the individual is found. Our responsibility does not end with locating a missing person; we must also help ensure that the individual receives the care and protection needed," Nartatez said, according to the PNP-PIO.
Nartatez also addressed families directly in Filipino, urging open communication and early intervention before difficulties escalate:
"Sa ganitong pagkakataon, mahalagang maramdaman ng bawat isa na hindi sila nag-iisa. Hinihikayat natin ang mga pamilya na pairalin ang pag-unawa, makinig sa isa't isa, at humingi ng tulong sa mga kinauukulan bago pa lumala ang anumang suliranin."
Translated: "On occasions like this, it is important that everyone feels they are not alone. We encourage families to practice understanding, listen to one another, and seek help from the proper authorities before any problem worsens."
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, you can reach the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (toll-free landline) or 0917-899-8727, any time of day.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO / Facebook