Parents plead for daughter's return, accuse UPLB of neglect in missing student case

August 07, 2024

The parents of BG Yvonne C. Sabellano, a missing student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) since March 23, 2024, have appealed to authorities to help bring their daughter home, fearing she has been recruited by the New People's Army (NPA).

During a Senate inquiry, Yvonne's father, Bobby, expressed frustration with UPLB's response to his daughter's disappearance, stating that officials told him they wouldn't stop students from "doing what they want" because it's "freedom of expression."

Mr. Sabellano further revealed that UPLB officials advised him against reporting the situation to other agencies or the media, fearing it would endanger Yvonne and her family.

“The first time na nakausap ko ang high officials sa UPLB, ang sabi sa akin na kung ano ang gustong gawin ng estudyante hindi nila pipigilan dahil nasa tamang edad na sila. Freedom of expression daw yon. Sabi sa akin – ‘Hindi na namin saklaw ang dormer at estudyante yung nasa labas ng dorm at sa klase kasi adult na sila. That’s why the logo of UPLB ay walang saplot, ibig sabihin, malayang maka-express ang mga estudyante sa labas ng dorm at klase," he stated.

"They told me not to worry because she wouldn't fail her classes. They would make it an internship, and only a few officials would know. She could just take exams if needed. I was scared and confused. My daughter is missing, possibly with the NPA, but UPLB wants to cover up her absences? How many other parents have experienced this kind of action from the school?" He asked.

Yvonne's mother, Ruth, made an emotional appeal to those holding her daughter, pleading for her safe return. “Sa may hawak ng aming anak ngayon, nakikiusap kami sa inyo na ibalik niyo sa amin ang aming anak.”

She also addressed the UPLB Chancellor, stating, "Nakikiusap po kaming mag-asawa na tulungan niyo po kami na maibalik sa amin ang anak namin, may pamilya din po kayo, may anak at bilang magulang lahat ay gagawin niyo dahil walang magulang ang nangangarap na masira ang kinabukasan ng isang anak. Walang magulang na nangangarap na maging NPA ang anak, walang magulang na nangangarap na nanaisin na wala ng buhay ng iuuwi ang kanilang anak."

The Sabellano family expressed their unwavering hope for Yvonne's safe return, urging both authorities and the public to join them in their quest.

The Senate inquiry, led by the Committee of Public Order and Dangerous Drugs under the chairmanship of Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, focuses on tackling issues related to student recruitment and radicalization within academic institutions.

Parents, victims, students, government officials, and school administrators unite in denouncing the actions of the NPA. They emphasize the urgency of intervention and the importance of safeguarding educational environments against such detrimental influences. ###

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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