Fil-Am woman found safe after week missing following PA, NPA clash

CHANTAL Anicoche, the Fil-Am woman who had been missing since the January 1, 2026, encounter between the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Abra De Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, has been found safe.

Soldiers located Anicoche on Thursday, January 8, bringing an end to a week-long search that gripped the region.

According to BGen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Brigade, Anicoche was discovered at approximately 2 p.m. hidden in a pit roughly 500 meters from the site of the armed clash in Sitio Mamara, Brgy. Cabacao. The 24-year-old Filipina, a B.S. Psychology graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), had been traveling with a student who was tragically killed during the encounter.

The circumstances surrounding Anicoche’s presence in the area and her relationship with the student remain under investigation. Authorities are currently providing her with medical assistance and conducting interviews to gather more information about the events leading up to and following the January 1st clash.

The military has expressed relief at Anicoche’s safe recovery and commended the soldiers involved in the search operation for their persistence and dedication.