Filipino EPS worker Mr. Manuel T. Pineda, Jr., 26, was reported missing to the local authorities in Gimhae, South Korea on August 06 2017. Mr. Pineda is from Arayat, Pampanga and married to Ms. Wendy Marjorie David Simbol of Apalit, Pampanga.

Prior to his disappearance, Mr. Pineda went on a one-month vacation to the Philippines, returning on July 09 2017. On July 23, Mr. Pineda's company reportedly granted his request to be released from his contract instead of sending him back home to the Philippines. Mr. Pineda was diagnosed with nervous breakdown after showing signs of anxiety upon his return from the Philippines but still wished to stay in South Korea to continue working.

While waiting for the process to transfer to a new employer be completed, Mr. Pineda temporarily stayed in the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Mission House in Gimhae starting July 26 2017.

On August 05 2017, Mr. Pineda allegedly left the Mission House while the other residents were still asleep. Knowing his mental health issues, his companions in the Mission House started searching for Mr. Pineda that afternoon. Mr. Pineda then reportedly returned to the Mission House at 2:30 a.m. the following dawn, took a quick shower, and tried to leave again but was prevailed upon by his two companions to stay, only to find him missing again at 5:30 the same morning. Mr. Pineda has never been seen since then.

After the incident was reported to the Embassy, we have been in continuous coordination with the Gimhae Jungbu Police and Korean authorities for assistance in the search for Mr. Pineda. However, the investigation has yet to uncover any clue on the whereabouts of Mr. Pineda.

The Philippine Embassy requests anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Pineda to come forward, or send relevant information through:

? ATN Hotline No. : 010-9263-8119;
? Landline No. : (02) 796-7387 local 102
? Email : consular@philembassy-seoul.com
? FB account : https://www.facebook.com/bayanihan.pilipinas.3
(Juan Dela Cruz)


All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.