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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Rescuer dog Zuma joins search for missing teenager in Sagada

Rescuer dog Zuma joins search for missing teenager in Sagada

Published Aug 15, 2026 04:34 pm
SAGADA, Mountain Province — A five-year-old golden retriever named Zuma has joined the search for a missing 17-year-old girl in Sagada, bringing renewed hope to efforts to locate the teenager.
Zuma, accompanied by his owner Brett Mitchell, arrived in Sagada on Aug. 14 to assist authorities and volunteers searching for Sofia Isabela Magalgalit Oria of Demang, who was last seen at around 7 p.m. on Aug. 8.
The search began on Aug. 9, with police, residents, volunteers, and other responders scouring mountainous areas, thick vegetation, steep terrain, and waterways across the municipality.
The operation was temporarily suspended on Aug. 13 after Sofia’s family and community elders requested a break to allow rescuers and volunteers to rest following days of sustained search efforts.
The operation resumed the following day with additional personnel and resources, including government agencies and search-and-rescue teams from neighboring towns.
The Sagada Municipal Police Station said search teams deployed in different areas remain in close coordination with the Incident Command Post to ensure the safe, organized, and systematic conduct of the operation.
Zuma has gained public attention for his participation in search-and-retrieval operations, including efforts following the deadly landslide in Baguio City.
Mitchell, however, appealed to the public to also recognize the many rescuers and volunteers working behind the scenes.
“Zuma is getting lots of attention. And I am grateful for that. But please give as many kind words and encouragement to all the others who made the rescues possible,” Mitchell said in a post on Aug. 11.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Bureau of Fire Protection, disaster response offices, local government units, nongovernment organizations, and individuals who have contributed their time, skills, and resources to the search.
With Zuma now part of the operation, search teams continue to comb the mountains, forests, waterways, and other difficult areas of Sagada for any clue that could lead to Sofia.
For her family and the Sagada community, Zuma’s arrival provides another reason to keep searching and hoping that the missing teenager will soon be found and brought home safely.

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