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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Woman presumed dead for 39 years found alive, reunites with family

Woman presumed dead for 39 years found alive, reunites with family

Published Jan 10, 2025 09:51 am

BACOLOD CITY – An 81-year-old woman who went missing and presumed dead for 39 years was recently found alive and reunited with her family in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.

MISSING WOMAN.jpg

AN 81-year-old woman (seated right) reunited with her family in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 39 years after she went missing in 1985. (Photo courtesy of DSSD)

Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD)-Bacolod, in a media interview, said that the senior citizen went missing in 1985 when she left their house.

Her family tried to find her, but failed, until they later presumed she was dead due to her mental state.

Mangga said that the woman was rescued from the streets of Barangay Cabug on Nov. 15, 2024 by the City Anti-Mendicancy Task Force of the DSSD. 

She was referred to a shelter in Barangay Vista Alegre here where DSSD has been providing her with home care, health monitoring, and emotional support.

Mangga said that through the help of social media, they were able to reach her family, and was brought back home on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

She said that they coordinated with the Zamboanguita Social Welfare and Development Office for verification.

This remarkable reunion shows the power of compassion and collaboration and reaffirms our commitment to advocating for the worth and dignity of every person, the DSSD said.

Related Tags

Negros Oriental Zamboanguita Missing person
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