GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Patrick Peconcillo of Barangay Katangawan here has turned 17 last April 30.
But he was not with his family as he went missing last April 20.
Police records showed that aside from Peconcillo, eight persons from the city went missing since the first week of April.
According to Peconcillo’s mother, Teresa, Patrick drove his uncle’s motorcycle to a repair shop.
He has not returned home since then.
“It’s so painful that we could not celebrate his birthday,” Teresa said.
“I am hoping and praying to see him alive again,” said Teresa.
Teresa was among the six parents who sought the help of City Councilor Franklin M. Gacal and the local police to have the disappearances of their family members investigated thoroughly.
The missing persons were identified as Ralph Jovani Soriano, 16, Angel Gahiton, 14, and Emmanuel James Galon, all residents of Barangay Katangawan; Joseph Formentera Guanzon, 18, Jefferson Garay Quita, 16, and Armando Gomez Guajo, 46, all of Barangay San Isidro; John Mark Obeda Impang, 19, of Barangay Mabuhay and Jerson T. Hechanova, 41, of City Heights.
Colonel Gilbert Tuzon, city police director, said the disappearances are already being investigated.
Tuzon said police investigators have also talked to the families and other informants with respect to each case.