Search for Sagada teen continues despite end of 14-day intensive ops

BAGUIO CITY — The Incident Command Post (ICP) for the search for a missing teenager in Mountain Province was closed on Saturday, Aug. 22, after 14 days of search and rescue operations.

Nevertheless, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated to support continuing community-led efforts to locate 17-year-old Sofia Isabela Magalgalit Oria.

According to the Municipality of Sagada, the termination of the ICP marks the end of the intensive field coordination phase of Operation Sofia.

Article continues after this advertisement

But the EOC will continue coordination, information monitoring and support for ongoing moves to find the teenager.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

The ICP had served as the central point for the deployment and coordination of responders, volunteers and search teams across Sagada’s trails, forests, waterways, rivers, caves and communities.

The operation involved government responders, civilian volunteers, local residents, K9 teams and search and rescue personnel from neighboring municipalities and provinces.

Others provided transportation, food, communications equipment, logistics, river monitoring and other forms of support.

Despite two weeks of searching, Sofia has not yet been found.

Article continues after this advertisement

The municipality said the community search will continue, with residents and volunteers remaining vigilant and assisting within their personal capacities.

The public was also urged to share credible information or possible sightings with the appropriate authorities.

Article continues after this advertisement

In a message shared by Sofia’s relative, Jocelyn Magalgalit, on behalf of Sofia’s family, the family expressed gratitude to those who joined the search and provided assistance.

Magalgalit said they felt they were not alone during the difficult days.

The family also acknowledged that some volunteers would need to step back because of their own families, work and other responsibilities.

“Although the search may have changed, our hope remains,” the family said, urging the public to continue praying for Sofia’s safe return.

The family also said their home in Demang remains open to volunteers who will continue working with them in the coming days.

“Sofia, we are still waiting for you. We will never stop hoping and praying for your safe return,” the family said.