COTABATO CITY — A graduating student who was reported missing in the early hours of April 3, 2026, has been found safe, bringing relief to her family and the community following hours of anxious search and public appeals.
Sittie Aina Bundco Baltao was initially reported missing after she was last seen at around 12:53 a.m. in the Bagua area of this city. According to information provided by her family, Baltao had left her rented residence and proceeded to a 24/7 convenience store before boarding a “payong-payong” tricycle bound for the downtown area.
Her sudden disappearance prompted immediate concern, especially as she is a graduating student. Family members and friends swiftly took to social media and other platforms to seek public assistance, urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward.
Authorities and concerned citizens joined efforts to trace her movements, while her family maintained constant coordination with local police units.
Hours after she was reported missing, an update confirmed that Baltao had been located in Davao City. She is currently under the custody and care of authorities at the Ecoland Police Station.
Details surrounding how she reached Davao City and the circumstances of her disappearance have yet to be disclosed, pending further investigation.
Her safe recovery has eased fears, with her family expressing gratitude to everyone who extended help and shared information during the search. Authorities, meanwhile, continue to verify details to ensure her safety and determine if any untoward incident occurred.
The case highlights the importance of rapid coordination between families, communities, and law enforcement in responding to missing persons incidents.