Filipino EPS worker Rodel Aguila Manalo, 34, of Padre Garcia, Batangas, went missing since 16 August 2016 when he left his residence in Anseong City, the day he was supposed to take his flight to Manila for a vacation. His friends and co-workers at Daewa Jongmil Company who went to his residence to bid him goodbye were surprised to learn of his sudden disappearance leaving all his personal belongings, such as, luggage, passport, alien registration card, and cellphone in his bedroom. They searched for him in the usual places he visits but was never found.

Mr. Manalo's family members were deeply worried when he did not appear on his expected arrival in the Philippines.

Upon receipt of the news of the disappearance, the Philippine Embassy requested Anseong Police's assistance in the search. Thereafter, Sgt. Lee Kyu-ong, Case Officer, informed the Embassy that despite the thorough search and investigation conducted by Anseong Police and the issuance of a nationwide alarm on the case, no positive lead has been gathered that could help in solving the case. To date, the Embassy continues to monitor progress of the case through regular updates from the Anseong Police Station.

While the Korean National Police Agency has committed to pursue the case, the Philippine Embassy believes that the participation of Filipinos in Korea, through social media, could give a much-needed boost in the search for Mr. Manalo.

The Philippine Embassy, therefore, requests everyone who may have knowledge or information on the whereabouts of Mr. Rodel Manalo to send such information via email or Facebook to the Embassy at seoul.pe@dfa.gov.ph or telephone number 010-9263-8119 or (02) 796-7387 local 102.

The Embassy earnestly hopes for a positive outcome in the search in order to help appease the family's anguish and anxiety.

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.