Fight-or-Flight: Philippines' missing cases rise, kidnappings become more feared

Written by: Julia Pal

Published: September 2, 2022

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TW: Kidnappings, Sexual Assault

KEY POINTS

1. Since July 2, a troubling series of disappearances of mostly women have begun and then sparked the interest of the Filipinos. Among the cases is that of a 22-year-old female criminology student, Jovelyn Gallerno, who has been reported missing since August 5 after not being able to arrive home even after her shift at a mall.

2. Many connected the case to the urban legend of a “snake-like creature” that is said to prey on attractive young women beneath the mall. But it has been clear for the most that the case is related to abduction, especially after the police authorities suspected a ‘Sedan’ vehicle possibly used for the abduction. 

Missing Cases

Since July 2, a troubling series of disappearances of mostly women have begun and then sparked the interest of the Filipinos. Among the cases is that of a 22-year-old female criminology student, Jovelyn Gallerno, who has been reported missing since August 5 after not being able to arrive home even after her shift at a mall.

Many connected the case to the urban legend of a “snake-like creature” that is said to prey on attractive young women beneath the mall. But it has been clear for the most that the case is related to abduction, especially after the police authorities suspected a ‘Sedan’ vehicle possibly used for the abduction.

Aside from Gallerno, Princess Dianne Dayora— a 24-year-old woman in Guiginto, Bulacan, was missing on July 2 and was later found near a creek on July 5. On the 9th of August in Bustos, a 15-year-old biker from San Jose del Monte City named Princess Marie Conde Dumantay was missing and recently found deceased. 40-year-old Josie Bonifacio, a resident of Naguilian, Isabela, went missing on August 8 and was discovered dead the following day on August 9 with several stab wounds.

Official Statements Regarding the Cases

According to the director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, the primary reason for the kidnapping is sexual assault. Another principal motive is abduction for ransom, which has been widespread in the Philippines for over three decades. Kidnappers earn money acting alongside politically motivated organizations.

“It’s a scary time to be a woman in the Philippines right now,” said an influencer discussing the kidnappings in the Philippines through TikTok. Due to the abductions, some citizens have considered purchasing self-defense products even though the thought of doing so has made them feel helpless.

With the alarming cases of missing women in the Philippines, the Gabriela party-list group has decided to ask the House of Representatives to look into the reported cases, citing four cases of women either found dead or still missing. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) released an assurance for Jovelyn Gallerno’s case, stating they are doing everything to expedite the case. This includes expecting the DNA examination results of the allegedly located bones of Jovelyn, a detail that raises suspicions from the citizens since it was only 2 weeks after Gallerno went missing.

In the wake of missing cases and kidnappings, safety tips must be kept in mind. It is for the best to avoid being the easy target by not wearing earphones (to fight being distracted) and jewelry (to be away from the sight of thieves). It would also be ideal to wear comfortable clothes which will not hinder you from running and moving freely. Also, update your loved ones with your location and the plate of the vehicle you are riding. If there comes a time that a suspicious person is following you, approach the nearby authorities. If a group forcibly grabs you, shout, throw random items, and protect yourself from the kidnapper. No matter what your age or gender is, listen to your instincts in a dangerous situation of fight-or-flight.

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Resources:

MSN. (2022). Msn.com website: https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/robinson-galleria-s-snake-like-creature-sparks-interest-following-jovelyn-galleno-s-disappearance/ar-AA10JEA1?li=BBr8RiR&srcref=rss

Christine. (2022, August 23). Jovelyn Galleno’s Suspected Missing Body has Been Found, Netizens React - AttractTour. AttractTour website: https://attracttour.com/2022/08/jovelyn-gallenos-suspected-missing-body-has-been-found-netizens-react/

‌Nelz, J. (2022, August 15). JOVELYN GALLENO: Authorities Finally Identified Vehicle That Abducted Young Lady. Philippine News website: https://philnews.ph/2022/08/15/jovelyn-galleno-authorities-identified-vehicle-abducted-young-lady/

Staff, R. (2007, March 28). FACTBOX-Five facts on kidnapping cases in Philippines. U.S. website: https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSP86106

Frankie, C. M. (2019, December 3). What Drives Some People to Kidnap Children? A&E website: https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/why-do-some-people-kidnap-kids

Gabriel Pabico Lalu. (2022, August). Gabriela asks House to probe cases of missing women. INQUIRER.net website: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1649014/gabriela-asks-house-to-probe-cases-of-missing-women#ixzz7cbGmtUxJ

Theryce (No) College Tips! on TikTok. (2022). TikTok website: https://www.tiktok.com/@solsunlune/video/7134392588945165594?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1