Faces of the News: Ica Policarpio

Illustration by Rene Elevera

Gone girl reunited with her family on Christmas Eve, Ica Policarpio’s name became a buzzword on social media for  good and bad reasons last week.

After the 17-year-old Grade 12 student went missing from a coffee shop in their upscale neighborhood in Muntinlupa on Dec. 21, her family rallied on both mainstream and social media asking for any clues on her whereabouts.

Her missing posters went viral as they were shared by thousands on Facebook and Twitter with #FindIca.

Authorities were able to find a “crying and exhausted” Ica in San Pablo City, Laguna, three days later.

They said leads on social media helped them find her.

Her family thanked everyone and asked for privacy.

The next days, Ica went viral again, with some accusing her of running away as part of a “millennial” challenge.

The family issued a statement, saying Ica’s disappearance was not a prank but was caused by “deep emotional distress.”