Former Iligan City mayor’s wife missing

The missing-person notice circulated on social media by the family of Salma Theresa Gerona-Quijano, the wife of former Iligan City mayor Franklin Quijano

ILIGAN CITY –– The family of former Iligan City Mayor Franklin M. Quijano has sought the help of authorities in finding his wife, Salma Theresa Gerona-Quijano, who has been missing since June 27.

After first keeping it to themselves, the family finally reported the incident to the police on Tuesday, July 2.

According to Roberto Quijano, Franklin’s younger brother, the family previously made the calls for help only through private messaging to ensure the safety of Salma.

The family has since circulated the picture of Salma and contact numbers with a plea to help them find her.

Salma was last seen at their house in Purok 3-A, Dao, Barangay Hinaplanon around 10:30 a.m. on June 27.

“She brought a few clothes and personal things, including a bank passbook, but there was no movement in her account when we had it checked at the bank,” Roberto Quijano said in a phone interview.

The family also checked on the different retreat houses and hotels in Northern Mindanao but there was no indication that Salma went there for a visit, he added.

Tracking Salma had proved difficult because she left her phone at home, Quijano noted.

Despite the lapse of time since Salma’s disappearance, her family was not entertaining thoughts she was kidnapped.

“We are ruling out the possibility that she has been abducted because we cannot see indications. We reviewed CCTV footage, we could not see any commotion during the time she was at home,” Quijano explained.

Other things might have precipitated her leaving the house on June 27, Quijano hinted, leaving the family in a quandary.

He noted that a few months ago, Salma’s former yaya (nanny) died, after which the family observed her being quiet, and saw changes in her appetite.

“Salma was very close to her yaya who has taken care of her since she was a little child,” Quijano said.

“The family also observed her mood swings but she did not open up. There might be some reasons,” he added.

“But they (Franklin and Salma) did not fight; they are a very sweet couple. They are members of the Couples for Christ,” Quijano further said.